2 thoughts on the Royal Wedding and gingers: The path from William to Delonte West

St. Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey

Random thoughts about the Royal Wedding and gingers.

1) As I was watching a re-run of The Hills last night (i.e. yes, I'm that bored), I noticed that Lauren Conrad, LC, resembles Kate Middleton.

2) I realize that Prince William is going to be King and that we should all be excited aout the impending nuptials.  However, I'm more interested in when Harry marries.  Now, THAT will be a party!  Harry may not be the future King of England, but he is much better looking than his older brother.  Harry and Boris Becker are really the only two "gingers" who have ever caught my eye.  Blake Griffin?  No, thank you.  It's a slipper slope and next thing you know, you're looking at Delonte West twice...  Scary, right?

To reinforce this lesson and emphasize the way my brain works, I'll repeat the path:  William -->Harry -->Blake Griffin -->Delonte West.

Blake Griffin

THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Saturday Night ~ Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk

Thanks to my friend, Teri, I scored a ticket to NBA All-Star Saturday night.  This is not an easy ticket.  When I stopped at VIP Tickets to see what they had in terms of inventory on my way back to the hotel, and they only had upper-level tickets left. They were selling them at face value.  I think that face value was $300-$315, I'm not really sure.  I don't sit in the upper-level so I never saw the ticket price.

I got a text that my ticket was waiting for me at Will Call and walked to the Staples Center.  I arrived just in time for the Skills Challenge.  Perfect timing.  Stephon Curry won the Skills Challenge, but here's a good one of Derrick Rose competing.

Cee Lo Green rocked green, performed his hit, and then found his seat for the 3-Point Contest. 

Cee Lo Green talking to Spike Lee on the way to his seat

After Cee Lo's performance, it was time for the 3-Point Contest.  Paul Pierce was the two-time champion and is from California, but since he's a Celtic the crowd booed him.  Ray Allen, who surpassed Reggie Miller as the 3-point king, also competed in the contest.  Surprisingly, out of the pack, the Miami Heat's James Jones ended up winning.  While Kevin Garnett and rooted on his teammates, Dwyane Wade (i.e. and his son) cheered Jones on from the front row.



Far East Movement performed after the 3-Point Contest.

Last but not least, was the highly-anticipated Slam Dunk Contest.  The favorite to win was Blake Griffin, but JaVale McGee and DeMar DeRozan weren't about to lie down and die.  Javale McGee dunked 3 balls at once.  He also brought out another hoop to dunk two balls at the "same" time.  Ultimately, Blake Griffin won and his final dunk was the one where he jumped over the front of a car with a gospel choir singing, "I Believe I can Fly".  Wild Stuff!

If you want to see the highlights, I'm sure you can Google for them.  I may try to upload the video I have later.  Until then, enjoy the pictures included.

THE WIRK

Washington Wizards v Cleveland Cavaliers at 6PM ET

The Washington Wizards take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at 6PM ET.  The Wizards look to win their 1st road game when the venture into Quicken Loans Arena.  Currently, the Wizards are 0-25 on the road.  That's not a typo.  The Wizards are winless when they leave the Verizon Center.

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven't fared much better this season.  It's no secret that things have taken a 180-degree turn since LeBron James decided to take his talents to South Beach.  The Cavaliers were on a downward spiral and lost a string of 26 games.  26 games.  No, that's not a typo.  The Cavs lost an abysmal 26 games, and were the joke of everyone who had an interest in the NBA and a voice.  Finally the Cavs tasted victory this week, when they defeated Blake Griffin's Los Angeles Clippers (aka the "Blakers).  The Cavs hadn't won since 12/18.

The Onion Sports Network even did a piece on about the team.  The premise of the humorous piece was to scare kids straight by making them visit a Cleveland Cavaliers practice.  The link to the Onion Sports Network piece is here for your enjoyment: http://www.onionsportsnetwork.com/articles/kids-in-scaredstraight-program-visit-horrifying-cl,19156/.

I remember when the Cavs v Wizards match-ups used to mean something.  It seems like ages ago that LeBron James' Cavs were battling Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler's Wizards for a playoff spot in the East.  It was less than 5 years ago that these games meant something, but my how the times change.

The opening tip and arena will NOT look like this tonight...

The Cavs are going into tonight's game with a record of 9-45. The Wizards sport a record of 14-38.  For tonight's match-up, according to Covers.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a 1.5 point favorite.  If I were in Vegas, I wouldn't even think about touching this game.  I believe both squads have to be looking at this game as winnable.  The Cavs won the first game in Washington DC on 11/8.  Tonight's match-up will be interesting for all the wrong reasons, but since I'm in the TV market for the Washington Wizards, I may watch this game.  Antawn Jamison was the hero in the Cavs game against the Clippers, and he's facing his former team (i.e. the Wizards) tonight.  I expect him to play big.  The key word there is "expect".

As an Ohio girl, I'd root for the home team.  Go Cavs!

THE WIRK

LeBron and NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest ~ You say "torn" but I hear "scared"

It's almost February.  Ok, technically January just started...  Regardless, I like to plan ahead.

February has 2 things of note.  The Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star game and festivities.

As I start to think about February, I saw a headline that LeBron was contemplating entering the NBA Slam Dunk contest, but had concerns about the wear and tear on his body.

Are you serious?!?!  Now, I never counted how many dunks they perform during the event, and I'm not about to look it up ~ but you have to be kidding me.  Wear and tear?!?!  Dunks?!?!  ****  Yes, I'm sure it takes something out of you to dunk.  No, I've never dunked a basketball. 

I'll tell you this.  I'm smart enough to know that the actual NBA All-Star game will take more out of him than the dunk contest.  Further, as a competitor, I believe that if LeBron really thought he could win ~ he'd compete.  Can ESPN.com, please spare us the LeBron is torn on dunk contest article?!!?  In addition in that article, LeBron pointed out the obvious in saying that Blake Griffin would have "home court" advantage (i.e. the All-Star festivities are in Los Angeles this year). 

So, am I supposed to believe that if LeBron's dunk was really better that the judges would cave and give it the title the rookie?!?!

Come on, now...  This isn't my first rodeo.  Looks to me like LeBron's scared to lose... 

To quote, Lil Jon and The East Side Boyz, "Bia, Bia"...  Yeah, I said it.  No idea what I'm talking about?  Here you go.

Lastly,  I haven't looked to see if he's dunking this year or not, but Nate Robinson has won the past two years. **** I took this picture of Nate Robinson dunking, when I was in Dallas for NBA All-Star weekend 2010. You try focusing on him when he's in motion with a point and shoot camera...

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My thoughts on contraction and the NBA

My thoughts on contraction and the NBA.

Sure there are teams that historically have underperformed in the NBA and other teams that may not be able to survive financially in their city.  We all remember Danny Ferry leaving for Italy rather than play for the Los Angeles Clippers, but even the Clippers have become exciting again (i.e. with Blake Griffin).  Further, this month, the NBA has announced that it plans to purchase the New Orleans Hornets (i.e. where star Chris Paul excites the crowd).  There are other examples out there...  However, I don't believe contraction to be the answer.

I think the notion of having 3-4 stars on a team is fine, but I think that some players (i.e. who have been vocal recently)  need to understand that this is generally done by having 3-4 players (1) STEP UP to achieve stardom by improving their games and/or (2) play in a system that accentuates their strengths. I think making a "deal with the Devil" (i.e. it's an expression, so calm down ~ I love Riley and Spoelstra) is not and should not be the norm.  Even role players in the right niche, will work hard, develop their game, and become stars. It takes time...  There are no quick-fixes and shortcuts.

Would Scottie Pippen be "Scottie Pippen" if he had never played for the Chicago Bulls and was without Michael Jordan during his career?  The world will never know.  However, I believe that talented, hard working players in the NBA will rise to the top and make their teammates better... 

I think there's a lot of men in the NBA (i.e. regardless of what team they play for) that individually I couldn't pick out of a line up.  This "anonymity" can be for a variety of reasons...  Maybe the player is young or is a long-time journey men that bounce(s) from team to team.  Another reason could be that I'm getting older and the guys are younger now.  ****  Nah, that can't be it.  It's not like I'm losing my memory.  I'd argue that these men have given me no reason to remember their game.

It's no secret that all NBA drafts are not created equally.  I'd love for a team to walk up to the podium and "Pass" on a draft when the talent is weak if they really can't get a player to help them or make the right deal.  I've never been in a war room, but am I really to believe that some of these choices were sincerely thought to bring success to a team?  I've seen players get drafted and immediately I think of coaches who have a relationships with agents...  ****  Having the 1st pick in the draft doesn't guarantee a powerhouse for the franchise.  Further, of course, you can find a needle in a haystack and find treasures deep in the draft.  However, the development of that talent usually takes time.

If you want an argument for or against contraction from a financial perspective, this isn't the place for you.  I'm not going to run any numbers here.  I just needed to sound off on the topic, because I'm tired of reading other peoples' ideas about it.

LeBron James talking about being in favor of contraction, would be like Warren Buffett telling a homeless person that he saves a lot of his money.  Thanks, but just be quiet.

****  One last thing, if you found this post/blog thought-provoking and/or enjoyable, please vote for me (i.e. for Blog of the Year) on the right-hand side towards the top.  It only takes a second.  Thanks!


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Beasley's last shot seals the Timberwolves' win over the Los Angeles Clippers

I wanted a good game tonight between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Minnesota Timberwolves and both teams delivered.  The Clippers were in Minneapolis tonight, and I decided to head to the Target Center to see what the hype is about for Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, and Blake Griffin.  Granted this wasn't the marquee game of the night (i.e. the Suns were visiting the Heat), but I'm very pleased at what I saw.  Plus, if I had stayed in and watched Bosh light it up for 35 points tonight, I might have pulled my own hair out.  Enough about that.

Vinny Del Negro's Clippers went into the game with a record of 1-10.  WOW.  With that young talent, their record is 1-10.  Now, their record is 1-11 after dropping seven games in a row.  ****  I noticed Marc Iavaroni on the bench as an assistant coach...  I wonder what the Clippers' record needs to be, before Marc takes over head coaching responsibilities?  I like Marc.  I remember him from his days in Cleveland.  He's a good guy.  Just saying.

I presume, Vinny is begging Blake to play well to ensure his own job security

OK.  Clippers and Timberwolves...  The game was pretty even throughout.  Minnesota won on its last possession with Michael Beasley scoring his final 2 for a total of 33 points.  Kevin Love was big again in this game with 24 points and 14 boards.  The Clippers' 1-2 punch of Eric Gordon and rookie, Blake Griffin, produced the most offense for the team (i.e. Gordon scored 30, and Griffin had 26).   Griffin might have scored more but he was facing some tough Timberwolves defense.

Griffin getting clobbered by the Timberwolves' defense

  

I wanted to yell, "Baby Fish Mouth" ~ Do you know the movie reference?

Minnesota's front court of Beasley and Love boxing out Griffin

The game was decided with Beasley's final shot to put the Timberwolves up, 113-111.  Below is a picture of the final, game winning shot.  ****  Sometimes you just have to have your camera ready, when you know something special is going to happen.  Timing is EVERYTHING.

Beasley's final shot that put the Timberwolves up by 2

The Clippers got the ball back with 2.3 seconds to left in the game, but couldn't convert on their last possession. **** If I remember correctly, they went for 3 and missed.

I'm very happy I went out and didn't waste my time on the Phoenix Suns v Miami Heat game.  I'm also excited for the future of the Timberwolves...  I'll definitely be back at the Target Center soon.

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