NBA season is here and THE WIRK v THE RICK is ON

I'm going head to head with my buddy Ricky at www.believeinthestreak.com since it's the 1st night of the NBA season.  It's all for "love of the game", but since we're known to spend some time in a Las Vegas sportsbook, we figured a friendly competition could be fun.

We're both starting with 1000 units.  We'll iron out the rules when he calls me, but here's a starting point.

For obvious reasons we seemed to both want to stay away from the Washington Wizards v Cleveland Cavs game.  Why?  Garbage teams are very difficult to bet for or against.  Wagering on basketball is difficult enough without adding that level of unpredictability. 

As you can see, we both like the Miami Heat to cover -6.5 tonight.

Ricky is taking the over +185.5 in the Dallas Mavericks v Los Angeles Lakers game.  I'm comfortable taking the Lakers with the line -9.  I don't like over/unders.  Betting totals is an interesting skill, that I haven't mastered.  Plus, with it being the 1st game of the season, Dirk Nowitzki being day-to-day and Kobe Bryant "questionable", I don't know where the scoring will come from.

Game ON.

THE WIRK

Photos from Game 6, Mavs v Heat ~ Mavericks win the 2011 NBA Championship

By now we all know how Game 6 between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat went down.  I don't feel like rehashing it.  I do feel like I should share some of my favorite images from the game.  It's taken me far too long to download these and post them.  Sorry!

Heat player introductions



Dwyane Wade hugs his mom before the game starts



These Cavs/Mavs shirts are actually sold out...

 

Plenty of Mavs fans in the building



2011 NBA Champion trophy presentation



Dirk Nowitzki is MVP.  Bill Russell is about to present the trophy.



Dirk shows the fans his trophy long after the game has ended.



Finally, Cuban speaks...  He's one happy owner!

I almost forgot.  Here's a video for you.  The Miami Heat Dancers are the best dance team I've ever seen ~ and I've been to many arenas.  For those of you that haven't seen them do their thing.  Here you are.  Don't say that I never gave you anything.




THE WIRK

Dirk WIRK stickers, signs, and shirts ~ http://www.NewDirkShirt.com

The past few days have been busy because I've been slammed at work, but I know I need to post before things I want to put out there become less relevant.

As I was leaving the Cubs v Phillies game on Thursday, my friend (i.e. Mandy) sent me a picture of a Dirk WIRK sticker.  It was on a trashcan.  Immediately I wanted to know what was going on.... 

On Sunday, as I was headed to Game 6 of the NBA Finals in Miami and I received a picture of some Mavs fans with signs...  They had huge Dirk WIRK signs!  As soon as I saw the picture (i.e. sent from Mandy), I told her I was on my way to the arena and had to figure out what was going on.  At half-time I raced past an usher and my friend who writes for Yahoo! Basketball to head down to their section to chat with them (i.e. and pose with the sign).

****  Incidentally my writer friend texted me just after the opening tip to ask, "U have anything to do with dirk signs that say wirk on em".  Too funny.  The answer is, "No".

Here's a picture of the nice Mavericks fans who explained the signs to me and gave me the name "Jordan Rogers" as a person to try to locate to get more information about the Dirk WIRK campaign.

Here's the story as best as I can remember it, after talking to the couple and Jordan Rogers.  Jordan refers to himself as Dirksy's contact person.  As much as I'd like to think it is, the WIRK is NOT a reference to or about me.  It's a play on words since Dirk works (i.e. therefore WIRKs) hard etc.  It's a spelling thing, not a couple/stalker/creepy thing.  ****  Although I will admit, Dirk is uber-handsome when his hair is shorter/shaved.  I've been lobbying with my contacts to set up a quick introduction over pizza or something simple, because I'd love to pick his brain for a few minutes.  But enough about that.  I digress...

The website for the Dirk WIRK shirts and the Ghostface Drillah shirt is http://www.newdirkshirt.com/.  If you're a Dirk Nowtizki fan and/or a Dallas Mavericks fan, you should check it out.  As a basketball fan who always find herself defending the purity of the sport and the competition, I find it refreshing that the Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat this year.

I was at the Nike Party during NBA All-Star weekend this year and I remember Dirk playfully giving Kobe Bryant the "L" (i.e. a loser signal) and Kobe smiling and laughing it off.  I thought that was a great moment and amazing foreshadowing...

Dirk isn't a flashy player.  By now, if you watch ESPN you've seen the footage of him in the gym shooting his off-balance fade aways with his shooting coach.  The man works/wirks hard and I think these shirts are a great way to support and show my appreciation of his effort towards the sport.

I don't know him, but Dirk seems like a solid, class act.  I'm happy my last name rhymes with his first.  For the past few NBA playoffs series, on the way to the 2011 NBA Championship I've changed my facebook status to Wirk "hearts" Dirk.  These shirts are beyond cool.  Check them out.

****  Disclaimer:  These are NOT my shirts.  I do not get any money for promoting them.


THE WIRK

Game 6: Miami, here I come ~ Mavs lead the Heat, Series 3-2

I wanted to go to Dallas to watch the Mavericks at home during this NBA Finals series, but the Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday schedule is terrible.  Honestly.  Someone in the NBA needs to re-examine the schedule and fix it, so that fans can travel to watch their teams without missing a couple of days of work by leaving in the middle of a week.  PLEASE.

Since I couldn't travel to the game, I ended up listening to most of the 4th Q of Game 5 on the radio.  I think I was listening to the Miami Heat broadcast.  Initially I thought about changing to listen to the Mavericks radio personnel, but thought it'd be more entertaining to hear the Heat broadcasters spin the events of the game.

While driving, I was grinning from ear to ear.  It was Game 5, and my rental car had XM radio.  I couldn't believe what I was listening to! I was loving everything that I heard. The Mavericks were winning and playing so well. Jason Terry was clutch. Jason Kidd was making plays. Dirk was killing it.  The whole night seemed surreal beginning with a crazy, rain storm and ending with a Mavericks' surge.  It was BEAUTIFUL.

My friend, Mandy, sent me this picture from Game 5.  Does anyone know where these Dirk Wirk stickers are coming from?  If so, please contact me.

Does anyone know where these Dirk Wirk stickers are coming from?

If you know me or read this blog, you know how I feel about LeBron.  Paying attention to this series has actually changed my opinion of Chris Bosh.  I wasn't a fan of his earlier this season, because I felt like all the attention had gone to his head.   Well, to be fair, he has raised the level of his game and deserves the praise he's receiving.  Dwyane Wade is a champion.  I like him.  The "problem" for me and the Heat (i.e. specifically in the 4th Q) is LeBron.

I listened to Jason Smith (Twitter: @howaboutafresca) on ESPN Radio for the first time last night and he dissected the post-game press conference comments from Coach Erik Spoelstra.  When asked about whether getting LeBron going in the 4th was a priority for the Heat (i.e. and yes, I'm paraphrasing), Spoelstra responded "We'll see..." 

I don't know about you, but when I'm trying to let someone down or turn someone down, I always say "We'll see."  It's not a "NO", and to quote the movie "Dumb and Dumber" ~ "So you're saying there's a chance?".

The Miami Heat fans who jumped on the bandwagon because of LeBron should reconsider how quickly they pushed aside Wade and gave LeBron the thrown.  Wade should be the closer for the Heat.  Wade is the leader of the Heat.  Look at the dynamic on the court.  LeBron defers to Wade.  Wade IS the leader.

Cavs fans are used to LeBron's brand of play.  Excuse us if we've already heard the "LeBron only has 75 cents for a dollar joke".  We Cavs fans, have already "been there and heard that."  We've heard it all before...  ****  Great.  Now I have the Sunshine Anderson's tune in my head.

I received an email from GV Art and Design and they sent me a link to their "Let's go Cleveland Mavs T-shirt."  Here's a link to the product: http://gvartwork.myshopify.com/products/lets-go-cleveland-mavs-t-shirt.  Unfortunately the shirt is sold out, otherwise I'd buy one right now!

Guess who's locked and loaded for Game 6.  Miami here I come....  ****  I will confess that, I went to Game 5 last year in Miami, and the Heat won it. 

Here are three pictures I took at the game.

Dwyane Wade with a dunk

 

Shaq hugs Wade

THE WIRK

Dirk or LeBron ~ Who needs an NBA championship more?

I was playing on Facebook earlier and noticed that my friend, Trey Harris, posed an interesting question.  His status read, "Heat vs. Mavs is starting to bounce around inside my head. Whose career needs a championship more? Dirk or LeBron?"

Immediately I started to type.  Here's the exchange.

Me: "No one really expected/expects Dirk to do anything. That's why everyone sounds so amazed when he drops 40+.  LeBron is the idiot who counted championships on his HANDS before a single game.  LeBron needs the championship more."

Trey: "True, Lebron is expected to win. But Dirk & the Mavs have underachieved for so long, this could very well be their last shot. I think it'll be a hell of a series either way."

Me: "Agree, Trey. but in terms of need for a championship for his career/legacy - it's LeBron.  If you're talking about this year SPECIFICALLY, then Dirk for the reason you stated ~ but it won't matter in the eye of the public if Dirk is like Ewing and Barkley and never wins a ring."

Trey: "Sarah, you make a good argument comparing Dirk to Ewing & Barkley (and it killed me that Ewing never got a ring). He'll still be a great player. But Lebron is the golden child. And "The Decision" still hangs over his head. He has more time to win but the expectations are way through the roof. Ayo, shout me out in the blog!"

Well, here you go!  What do all of you think?  Sure, we're jumping the gun and making some assumptions since the Eastern and Western Conference Finals aren't over yet, but it's definitely something for you all to think about as the crucial Game 5s approach.


THE WIRK

I'm an international winner ~ Stampede Casino, Calgary

After many flight issues, I finally flew to Calgary today.  On the plane, I sat in seat 13F and watched two movies (i.e.  No Strings Attached and Owning Mahowny).  Owning Mahowny stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and is based on true story of Dan Mahowny.  Mahowny is a guy from Toronto who worked in a bank and had a crazy gambling addiction.  When I got off the plane, I saw that my "tweety bird" had texted me.  That's random.  Based on all those weird events, I went to the casino and won $400 in 2 hours.  I left and planted myself in front of a TV with enough time to watch Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was a strange day, but it had "winner" written all over it from the start.  My life is goooooood.

The Stampede Casino in Calgary offers 2X odds at the craps table and a $5 minimum.  There is only one table.  Blackjack is also a $5 minimum.  Roulette is a 50 cent minimum.


THE WIRK

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

Lakers v Heat and Knicks v Mavericks ~ Should be a great TNT doubleheader

Last Christmas, I went to Madison Square Garden to watch the Chicago Bulls take on the New York Knicks.  After the game, I hopped on the Acela and went to DC as fast as I could.  I wanted to get in front of a TV, as soon as possible, to see the Miami Heat take on the Los Angeles Lakers.  I expected a big game, but what I got was a blow out.  The Heat dominated the Lakers, and I was left disappointed.  All I wanted for "basketball Christmas" were victories for the Knicks and the Lakers, but I was only .500.

Well today isn't Christmas, but TNT is giving us a great doubleheader.  The Knicks and the Lakers are in action tonight. 

Does Bosh intimidate you?

The early game (i.e. 7PM ET) has the Los Angeles Lakers in Miami taking on the Heat.  I'm taking a shot and calling it right now.  I think the Lakers win tonight.  They're on an 8-game win streak, and I think they'll get their 9th win tonight.  As a result, I predict that the Heat will lose, increasing their unenviable streak to 6 losses in a row.  I want the Lakers and Kobe Bryant to avenge the loss on Christmas Day.  Further, I want to see how Chris Bosh tries to prove his value after his absurd statements following Tuesday's loss.  ****  I won $5 when the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Heat, and I'm ready to go double or nothing with my friend. 



The Heat's "2 and a half men" trying to rebound

As for the New York Knicks v Dallas Mavericks game tonight (i.e. 9:30 PM ET), I don't really know who I want to win.  I like Amare Stoudemire and Dirk Nowitzki.  I still need to see the new-look Knicks live now that Carmelo Anthony is on the roster, but I might just hold off and wait for the playoffs.  ****  Wow, it felt good to type "Knicks" and "playoffs" in the same sentence sans sarcasm.  Ultimately, I'm just hoping for a competitive game. 

****  I took the pictures used for this post at the Heat v Wizards game on December 18, 2010.



THE WIRK

Mavericks defeated the Raptors ~ Dirk drops 31 points and collects 13 boards for the W

18 seems to be the magic number.  Magic number for what?  18 is the point margin of victory for teams who have defeated the Toronto Raptors over the weekend.  First the Phoenix Suns came to town and won by 18 on Friday night.  Tonight (i.e. Sunday night) the Dallas Mavericks came into the Air Canada Centre and defeated the home team by the same margin. 

Dirk Nowitzki was the hero of tonight's game by dropping 31 points and collecting 13 rebounds.  Shawn Marion added 20 points to the winning effort.  

Bosh is gone.  Let's get this
kid a DeRozan jersey.

For the Raptors, Andrea Bargnani didn't play.  Amir Johnson had 21 points and DeMar DeRozan added another 19 points in tonight's losing effort.

Here's a picture I had to take of a little boy in a Chris Bosh jersey.  I realize Bosh played for the Raptors for many years, but can we please upgrade this boy's jersey?  He shouldn't have to have Bosh's name on his back.

The Dallas Mavericks were just in Washington DC on Saturday night, so maybe that explains the Mavs' slow start tonight. The Raptors came out hot in the 1st quarter.  Dallas held the lead initially (i.e. when Dirk Nowitzki scored the 1st bucket of the game) but then the Mavericks' offense was missing in action for quite a while.  At one point the Mavs were down by a score of 22-3.  Finally in the 3rd quarter, thanks to a bucket from Shawn Marion the Mavericks took the lead 62-61, and the Mavs never really looked back.

Tonight's match-up wasn't much of a ball game, but it was a good one if you were rooting for the Mavs.  Mark Cuban was sitting behind the bench watching his team closely.  As the Raptors came out to shoot around after half time, a few of them went over to shake his hand.  I'm sure a few of them wouldn't mind playing for him at some point in their careers.

The final score for tonight's game was 116-94.  Mavericks earned the "W".

****  My stint in Toronto has come to an end.  I've enjoyed my return visit to this city, and the couple of games I was able to watch this trip.  Thank you, Toronto, for a great time!

THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Saturday ~ Practice

If you can’t go to the actual NBA All-Star game, definitely go to NBA All-Star practice. Practice was held Saturday morning at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  ****  This was the first time since the NBA All-Star festivities were held in Cleveland, OH that I went to watch practice.  I have been missing out!

The LA Convention Center hosted the NBA Jam Session.  If you’ve never been to NBA Jam Session, check it out. There are numerous opportunities to interact with players, complete various basketball drills, and celebrate the game of basketball etc. More on that in a later post.

Practice is a ticketed event. I suggest you get there early if you want to take pictures since the tickets designate a section only. It’s general admission within the sections.

The guys are pretty loose during practice and you can see the smiles on their faces. NBA All-Star weekend is a fun time for the fans and the athletes. Unlike in football, where it’s a challenge to get the athletes to play in the Pro Bowl, the NBA shows up and enjoys itself during the All-Star break. 

 Don’t believe me? Check out the smiles on the guys’ faces.

One funny moment during practice occurred when Doc Rivers, coach for the Eastern All-Stars, told Carmelo Anthony to stand in the middle of the court since he didn’t know whether he was playing for the West or the East. ****  Obviously this was before Monday’s trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks and in the middle of the Melo-drama.

At any rate, practice was a good time and the teams performed various shooting drills. Towards the end of the practice Paul Pierce and Ray Allen established a record for 3-pointers by a tandem for the Guinness Book of World Records. Unfortunately for the Celtics duo, Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant promptly broke the record to claim it as their own.

After practice there was media availability. The media had a chance to go onto the court to talk to the players. Picture it. I liken it to the media version of “storming the court”.

THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Nike Party ~ Q-Tip, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, etc.

Tickets and parking pass

Every year there are one or two parties that are special during the NBA All-Star weekend. I was fortunate enough to be given two tickets to the Nike Party. **** Thank you to Q-Tip and the Insideplaya!!! The Nike party was supposed to be held at Drai’s which from what I hear is an outdoor spot at the W Hollywood. When I arrived to pick-up the tickets, I was happy to see that the party was being set up in the lobby area (i.e. Living Room) of the hotel. The weather had been unpredictable with rain and wind, so an outdoor setting wouldn’t work.

I invited my friend Teri to join me at the party. There are very few occasions when I can take care of friends who take care of me for basketball, and this was one occasion where I could return the favor. **** If I offer you a ticket and you don’t accept it, because you think you can get a better offer ~ recognize that you’re going to the bottom of my list or will possibly unlisted in the future. I don’t deal well with people who think they can get a better offer, when I’m already offering you the BEST.

I knew Q-Tip would be spinning at the Nike party and that Kobe Bryant would be there. I had no idea that Kanye West would be performing. Talk about a surprise!

As we headed to the party, we passed the Music Box where Kenny “The Jet” Smith was holding his annual NBA All-Star party. There was a large group of people standing outside the venue trying to gain entry. As we approached the W Hollywood, Teri and I traded our tickets for wristbands and went to enter the party. There were 2 tents set-up outside. The first tent was more the metal detectors, and Teri and I skipped that line. The second tent was to get in, and there was a large crowd trying to get in. Teri went straight to the front of that line and I followed her. We passed, Suzy , from the TV show Basketball Wives. She too was trying to get in and skip the line. While waiting a few minutes, I saw Ne-Yo and what looked like 15 of his friends go in.

Dirk Nowitzki

As we went into the party, Teri went in one entrance and I went through another. I ended up going upstairs in an elevator and going across the floor and down the stairs to the main floor. This route gave me a very good lay of the land. As I went down the stairs, I saw Q-Tip, Dirk Nowitzki, Russell Westbrook, Ne-Yo, World Wide Wes, Brandy, Deron Williams and Ron Harper. Finally re-uniting with Teri, we went to the bar and I saw Rick Fox, Eliza Dushku, and Scottie Pippen (i.e. and his wife, Larsa, who will star on Real Housewives of Miami).

With Spike Lee

Spike Lee was in the house as well.

After I got my drink, I went over to see Q-Tip to thank him for giving me the tickets. I patiently waited for him to “break”, but the man was WORKING/WIRKING! He was killing it. Finally, I had my chance to say “Thank you” and formally introduce myself. I’ll never forget his big, warm smile. Of course he went back to work, and I went back to the party,

If you’ve never been to a Nike party, you need to go. Make no mistake, Nike knows how to throw a party. There were passed burgers, sushi, etc. in addition to the open bar. Food is hard to come by when you’re always on the go, so it was great to be able to eat a little bit at the party.

Jalen Rose

I’m not sure what time it was, but my friend Teri who was also planned to hit the ESPN party was sent a text that the ESPN party had ended. Too bad for those folks. The Nike party was just kicking into another gear. For the ESPN folks that could get in to the Nike party, it looks like decided to come on over. 

Kobe Bryant

Eventually Kobe Bryant (i.e. and his wife et al) showed up and took the table next to where I was near Q-Tip. Kobe’s Nike film played and Dirk Nowitzki flashed the “big L” (i.e. loser sign towards Kobe, but it was all in good fun). After that, Kanye West took the stage and performed. Kanye’s set was great. However, I must admit that I’m a huge Kanye West fan and I love watching him perform.

Kanye West performing

I saw the party as it was being set up and as the party ended I realized I would also be closing it down. I saw Kevin Durant again this year, and told him “Thunder Up”. He smiled. The last person I saw was Rajon Rondo, so I just reminded him that I saw him in the Bahamas over the summer.

Finally around 4AM, it was time to sleep.

**** Forgive the pictures. I read that no cameras would be allowed, so I left it in my hotel room. Had I known that I wouldn’t have to go through the metal detector, I would’ve brought it in. This is the best that my iPhone could do.

What a FANTASTIC party!

THE WIRK

Mavericks fans ~ Take time out to pray for Dirk Nowitzki's knee

Dirk Nowitzki left last night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a sore right knee.  The Mavericks defeated the Thunder, 103-93. 

Dirk had an MRI scheduled for this morning.  I haven't seen/heard the results of the MRI yet...

Let's hope for his and the Dallas Maverick's sake that it's nothing serious (i.e. or even nothing at all).  The Mavericks have the best road record (i.e. 11-1), and Dirk has once again been putting up All-Star numbers (i.e. about 24 points and 7 rebounds a game ~ almost a double-double).

It's no secret, he's become one of my favorites this season, and it's also no secret that the West is stacked.  Therefore, if the Mavericks are going to contend against the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs during this long NBA season, his team "knee'ds him to stay healthy.  ****  Yes, "knee'ds" is corny, but I like it.


THE WIRK

Mavs defeat the Heat, and then there's a lunar eclipse, solstice...

The Miami Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks today (i.e. the 12 game win streak came to an end).  Mike Miller returned to the line-up for the Heat.  Dirk Nowitzki led all scorers, with 26 points.  The final score was 98-96. 

And then there was a lunar eclipse and solstice...

Since I wasn't at the game in Miami, I figured I'd take a picture of the activity in the sky tonight/this morning. I had a great view of it all from my balcony, but I got bored in the middle of shooting pics and went inside. My friend talked me into going back outside. That's why there's a gap in the middle of the eclipse photos.

Here you are...

Let's hope it doesn't take another cosmic event, before the Heat lose again...


THE WIRK

NBA Sunday morning thoughts on the Knicks, Sixers, and Mavericks

I'm getting a slow start today since I had a holiday party last night.  Here are my NBA thoughts as I start to wake up and hustle.

• The Knicks game to go to wasn't the game on Friday night against the Washington Wizards, so in hindsight I missed nothing.  The game to go to is the one being played right now, since the Knicks are up on the Denver Nuggets.  Further, with all the Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks rumors swirling, I think there's a whole other element of drama associated with this game.
• I should've hopped on the train and went to NYC this morning...
• I also thought about heading to Philly (i.e. I still have never seen the Sixers play at home) to cross off another venue today.  I thought the game might be fun since the New Orleans Hornets and Chris Paul were in town.  Needless to say, I never motivated.
• Looks like I'm missing nothing, since although the Hornets showed up ~ based on the score (i.e they're losing 45-22) they have yet to PLAY.
• The Dallas Mavericks have extended their win streak to 12.  I need to get myself to Dallas.  I took a look at the Mavs schedule though, and it doesn't synch up with mine. 
• Oh and have I not mentioned it yet in this post?  Dirk Nowitzki is growing on me, now that he cut his hair!  LOL.

With the holidays, my work, and play schedule I don't think I slow down until the week of Christmas.  If you're following this blog, you'll see what I'm talking about as the days unfold. 

I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do and where I want to be, but New York and Dallas are very high on my list!


THE WIRK

***  Update, I'm back from a a movie and just checked the scores.  Wow.  The Knicks beat the Nuggets to extend their win streak to 8 games.  Amare dropped 30 in the victory, to extend his streak to 8 games with 30 points or more...  Forget the Miami Heat.  I'd rather hear about the Knicks or the Mavericks...  Those 2 teams are "legitimately" on fire, since they're defeating quality teams.

10 Game win streak ~ Dirk and the Dallas Mavericks are growing on me...

I have to admit...  Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks are growing on me...  Dirk's cut his hair, and he is having a great year.  Plus, the team is looking solid.  Has anyone noticed that they've won 10 games in a row?!?!  Can we all stop talking about Miami Heat's unholy triumvirate (i.e. Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade) and start shining a light on what's going on in Dallas?

I haven't been to the American Airlines Center since NBA All-Star Saturday night earlier this year.  Prior to that, I think I was there in 2005 or 2006 (i.e. when the Mavs were playing the Suns in the Playoffs).  ****  If you want to check out my post about NBA All-Star Saturday night and the Players Party, here's the link.  If you prefer, instead, to copy and paste the link into a new window, here you go: http://www.thewirk.com/2010/02/nba-all-star-saturday-night-and-players.html.

I take a lot of pictures, and I'm a little surprised that the most recent pictures I've taken of Dirk Nowitzki were in Dallas at the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in February.  Wow.  That's disappointing. 

Here's are a couple of the pictures I took from that game.  

The opening tip

Dirk leaving the court

I'm not kidding.  I need to take a look at my calendar and the Mavericks' schedule for some dates that'll work.  I'll be back in Dallas "'soon" to catch the Mavs, up close and personal AGAIN. 

Who knows, maybe I'll even get to stand on the court again.

THE WIRK

Heat are getting worked by the Celtics, and no one in Miami cares

The past 2 weeks, as soon as I land, the first person I've seen on TV is my ex... Thank you, ESPN (i.e. sarcasm)...  I'm loving the fact that the it's the 3rd quarter and the Boston Celtics are beating the Miami Heat.  There are so many empty seats in the American Airlines Arena.  Told you all the bandwagon jumpers would jump off, just as quickly as they jumped on.

The only time Heat fans will support the team is in the finals.  I know.  I was there for Game 5, in 2006, when they were up against the Dallas Mavericks.  Miami won that game (i.e. with a score of 101-100) and eventually went on to win the NBA Championship after winning Game 6.  That season Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade were both members of the Miami Heat, and Riley was still coaching.

Here are a few pictures I took at the game. 

I'm a huge Pat Riley fan

With Dirk Nowitzki at the line,

the crowd chants DA-VID HASSEL-HOFF

Dwyane Wade with a dunk. 

Game over

Based on LeBron's strong performance, I wonder if he is going to use his "I can't do it all by myself," speech (ala Cleveland) in the post-game press conference when the Heat lose...

Anyone remember these quotes from Jeff Van Gundy? 

"They will break the single-season win record [of 72],” Jeff Van Gundy said. And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers’ 33-game [winning] streak [in 1971-72], as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series. They will never lose two games in a row this year."

Hey, Jeff Van Gundy, guess what?!?!  The Heat just lost two games in a row!!!  How about them apples?!?!  So much for your prediction, but hey ~ at least you had the nerve to take a shot! :-P


THE WIRK

Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash, and trade rumors ~ Say it isn't so...

What is going on with the Phoenix Suns?  About an hour ago, Steve Nash (Twitter name: the_real_nash) tweeted the following, "Alvin Gentry, 'if steve gets traded I'm going with him.' Makes me wonder what Alvin and I would go for on the open market? #jockstrap&6pack"

Anyone with any knowledge of basketball cannot argue the value of a talented, hard-working point guard.  The point-guard bring the ball down the court.  In a system that numbers players, the point is #1.  All eyes are on the point guard as the ball crosses mid court.  The point guard can make or break a team.

Nash is one of the heralded NBA draft picks in the class of 1996.  Yes, he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns, but I don't think I paid any attention to him until he started to play with Dirk Nowitzki as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.  Anyone that follows the NBA knows that Nash went back to the Suns in 2004.

Last season the Suns were successful although last year they ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.  I was at the game in Phoenix over Memorial Day weekend (i.e. May 29, 2010 to be exact) and watched as Phoenix lost with a score of 111-103, after Kobe Bryant dropped 37 points.

Before the opening tip, Game 6 of the 2009-2010 Western Conference Finals

Kobe being Kobe

With the Los Angeles Lakers as the defending NBA Champions, they're definitely the team to beat.  I'm not sure where the Phoenix Suns will end up this postseason.  With Amare Stoudemire gone and Nash the subject of numerous trade rumors, it has to be unsettling for Suns fans.  The Suns offense is exciting to watch and I'm not sure who'd they get to replace him. 

After all of my years following professional sports, one thing I've learned is that no one's job in the NBA is secure, no matter what he has accomplished.  However, as someone who finds herself cheering for the Suns in the playoffs, I hope Nash stays in Phoenix.


THE WIRK