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

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

Movie Review: Just Wright ~ The only way the Nets make the NBA playoffs this season

In preparation for the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs, I watched the movie, "Just Wright".  It's a romantic comedy, with a sports theme starring Queen Latifah and Common.  Queen Latifah plays a character, Lesley Wright, who works as a trainer/rehab specialist.  Common is Scott McKnight, the star guard for the New Jersey Nets.

****  Did you know I submitted a photo and was selected to be a paid extra for this movie, but couldn't shoot because I had to prepare for a work project?  I was being sent out of the country for a customer and need to prepare otherwise, I would've been a part of shooting for 3 days.  Talk about a missed opportunity!

As I watched the movie, I was amused at how real it is.  I've seen how women search and ogle the family/WAGs section of the stands.  I've seen the envy in their eyes.  I've seen the gold-digging, unscrupulous types try to con players and I've seen players fall for the con.  I've sat in the family section for years.  It's a quiet sister-hood, for obvious reasons.

I also know what it's like to deal with and work with an athlete who's rehabbing an injury.  It's not sunshine and roses.  I can't describe the emotion I felt when I saw Queen Latifah's character throw ice onto an injured Scott McKnight.  Many years ago frustration overtook me, and I threw water.  It's tough trying to get someone to get up and move, when they're depressed and broken.  "Tough" isn't even the word.  Those times can be downright awful.  When you throw water on a 7 footer, who doesn't want to get up, you better be ready for a fight...

I found the movie to be funny, since it's the closest the New Jersey Nets are going to get to the NBA Playoffs this year.  I enjoyed watching cameos from Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, etc.  The movie may not have won any awards, but for a girl who loves romantic comedies and sports ~ "Just Wright" was "just right"!


THE WIRK

John Wall caught Ilgauskas' elbow and he didn't like it ~ Heat v Wizards

I had spent the past couple of days (i.e. with my mom visiting), running all over creation.  Last night mom and I went to the Verizon Center to check out the Miami Heat v Washington Wizards game.  ****  If you follow the blog, you know why this game is interesting and if you don't follow the blog you are a VERY BAD person.  Just kidding.  Kind of.  Sort of.  Not really.

Early in the game, with 8:48 left on the clock in the 1st quarter, Zydrunas had the ball and John Wall wanted it.  Zydrunas is 7'3" and rookie, John Wall, is 6'4".  It doesn't take a genius to know that when Zydrunas holds the ball up, that Wall had better back up and watch his face (i.e unless he wants to eat elbow).  Sure enough, emotions ran high and after catching Zydrunas' elbow, Wall decided to use his right arm to throw a body punch.  Here's a clip of the scuffle:  http://www.nba.com/video/games/wizards/2011/03/30/0021001110_mia_was_play2.nba/

Here are two words that describe John Wall's actions: ROOKIE MISTAKE.



To put the elbow and height in perspective,
and in honor of opening day this was on the
 way to a Cleveland Indians' baseball game.

****  I'm not advocating fighting in the NBA, BUT if I was Zydrunas (i.e. after receiving that weird body punch from John Wall) I would've gone after Wall, like he was Greg Ostertag... John Wall should've swept Zydrunas' leg(s) because tall trees can't land elbows when they're on the ground... THAT's how you fight a seven footer...  You don't try to "BOX".  Wait, speaking of boxing, I don't remember the venue, but there was a guy heckling Zydrunas one day.  He was saying things like, "I'll be Rocky and you'll be Drago."  Too funny...

I am listening to ESPN and the commentary from the lady "talking through the video".  She is heavily biased towards the Miami Heat, and obviously doesn't know her NBA history.  Zydrunas has a temper.  He isn't one to start fights on the court, but he won't back down from one.  I watched the events from section 121 and I've seen many a "tussle/fight" with him.  I know that if he wanted to treat the events like a game of WHACK-A-MOLE, Zydrunas could've pounded John Wall.  The fact that Zydrunas grabbed Wall by both arms and drove him back, shows that Zydrunas exercised restraint.

Elbows in the NBA aren't uncommon.  Zydrunas used to complain about Dikembe Mutombo's elbows, and Mutombo's methods of clearing out his opponents have been well-documented.  Here's a link to a Sports Illustrated (SI) article if you want some light reading from 1999 by Marty Burns:  Don't Bogart That Joint: Opponents are tired of blocking Dikembe Mutombo's elbows with their noses. 

For the record, and it goes without saying, but I will anyway ~ Zydrunas isn't Mutombo.  ****  I do think Zydrunas gave Wall a cheap, left forearm to get Wall to back away.  Further, at the 15 second mark, if you see the red coat at the top of the section, that coat belongs to my mom and I'm sitting next to her.  Yes, if it's interesting ~ chances are I'm there.

As a result of the altercation, for the Miami Heat,  both Juwan Howard and Zydrunas were ejected.  Washington Wizards lost the services of John Wall for the game too, since he was also ejected.

Ultimately, the ejections and the long referee deliberation and review seemed to take the energy out of the building for some time.  Surprisingly the energy picked up and the game wasn't a run away Heat victory.  Jordan Crawford scored 39 points in the losing effort.  Dwyane Wade scored 33 points and some dude named, LeBron, led the Heat with 35 points. 

****  This picture pretty much sums up the past couple of days since I went to New York to see The Lion King with my mom on Tuesday, and we just saw the Miami Heat and LeBron yesterday.

Final score, 123-107.  Wizards lost. 

Update: Wizards rookie, John Wall, has been suspended one game without pay and two Miami Heat players were fined for their actions.  Heat forward Juwan Howard received aa $35,000 fine, and teammate Zydrunas Ilgauskas was fined $25,000.

THE WIRK

The Miami Heat are the anti-Charlie Sheen ~ They're not winning

The Chicago Bulls won a close one in the last few seconds of the game.  Final score 87-86.  Derrick Rose had 27 points and Luol Deng had 18 points.  ****  This picture is of Derrick from Christmas Day, when they Bulls played the New York Knicks.

Someone needs to tell the Miami Heat that there are 4 quarters in a game.  Actually, don't.  I like watching them lose.  I'm down with Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Dwyane Wade.  I'd toss LeBron James and Chris Bosh in two seconds.

Regardless, I can already hear the "We need to take a long hard look in the mirror," talk and I've already silenced their voices and excuses in my head.  Seems like just yesterday that those fools were counting all the championships that they were going to win on their fingers.  Fools.

Here's the clip of LeBron counting all the championships the Heat are going to win, now that the unholy union has been formed in South Beach.



The Bulls and the Heat met most recently on February 24, and the Bulls won that game also.  I'll share my favorite clip from that game with you.  It's Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh.  Bosh falls and tries to sell a hard foul to the refs.  It's pathetic.



The Miami Heat are the anti-Charlie Sheen.  They're not winning.

Icing on the cake?  According to Brian Windhorst (Twitter: WindhorstESPN), "Spoelstra said some Heat players are crying in the locker room at the moment."

Seriously though.  There's no crying in professional basketball.  These guys need to man up.  At least they didn't blame the refs for the loss like Gabrielle Union (i.e. Wade's girlfriend, Twitter: itsgabrielleu), "Congrats REF u just won the game...how does that feel???!! Great game...too bad the ref bet on the bulls."




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

Celtics beat the Heat after a strong 3rd quarter ~ Garnett highlight video

The Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat after coming out big in the 2nd half.  The Celtics escaped a late Heat rally in the 4th quarter, but the 35 points scored by the Celtics in the 3rd set the tone for the rest of the game.

My favorite play(s) of the game show Kevin Garnett's fire to win.  Garnett makes contact with Mike Miller and Dwyane Wade makes contact with Garnett.  Wade was obviously sending a message to KG that he saw what happened, and both men played on.  Messages sent and delivered, and the passion that the crowd expected to see in Boston was there after what seemed to be a relatively quiet 1st half.

It's the NBA and if you don't like contact, don't play the game.

For the Heat, Chris Bosh was the leading scorer with 24 points, and LeBron had 22.  I don't expect the Heat to win any game where Bosh is the leading scorer, so let him shoot all day long.

As for the Celtics, who came away with the W, Garnett led all scorers with 19.  There was double-digit, balanced scoring among the majority of the Celtics, except for Paul Pierce who only tallied 1 point.  ****  For the record, Nate Robinson was scoreless and Avery Bradley only played 9 seconds and was scoreless.  I'm sure Pierce, Bradley, and Robinson don't mind their individual stat lines this afternoon, since their team was victorious and is now on top of the Eastern Conference.

It came down to the wire, and Mike Miller missing a 3-pointer to tie the game.  Final score was Boston 85 - Heat 82.

Am I the only person that remembers that ridiculous clip of LeBron James counting on his hands the number of championships the Heat will win?!?!  Am I the only person who then heard him backtrack and talk about how it's going to take time for the Heat to build the same chemistry?!?!  Give me a break. 

It's official.  My LeBron Nope T-shirt is lucky!

THE WIRK

If you can't stand the (Miami) Heat, you're unhappy with the NBA right now

If you can't stand the Heat, you're not loving the NBA right now.

The Heat went into Los Angeles and whipped up on the Lakers.  Merry Christmas Lakers fans!  You got a lump of coal.  Actually, you got hit with a bag of coal (i.e. grifters' style).  Ouch.  As someone who was rooting for the Lakers and raced to find a TV upon returning from the Chicago Bulls v New York Knicks' game, I was ready for the marquee match-up that the NBA and anyone that loves basketball was expecting.  Even Mike Tyson tweeted asking simply, "Lakers or Heat?".  ****  I may have transposed his tweet, but it doesn't matter.

The Los Angeles Lakers lost last night to the San Antonio Spurs.  I'm not that surprised since the Spurs were home, and they're playing tough ~ but I am surprised that while the Heat are scorching, the Lakers are stumbling.  To me it looks as though the Lakers need a swift kick to wake up...  Maybe it's Phil Jackson's strategy to pull a Doc Rivers' and have his team "chill" during the regular season and then dig down deep in the playoffs.  I don't know...

I can tell that Kobe Bryant's getting annoyed and frustrated.  I'm getting annoyed and frustrated...  I looked at the box score of last night's game briefly, and he's still the one carrying most of the scoring burden.  That's to be expected.  I just wish, one of his teammates would step up and start scoring also.

It's a long season, and I want to believe that the Heat won't have an easy road to the NBA Finals, much less an NBA Championship.  As it looks right now, and granted we haven't hit the NBA All-Star break just yet ~ Heat fans can almost bank on another championship ring...

If it's not LeBron scoring it's Dwyane Wade...  ****  I'll admit again, that I am a Dwyane Wade, Pat Riley, and Erik Spoelstra fan.  Don't worry, I'm not jumping on the Miami Heat bandwagon.  I'm just admitting that it's impossible to ignore them and look the other way anymore.  This isn't a problem for me, because I just sit in the stands or watch the games on TV.  This is a problem for the players who go against them night after night and choose to watch the show as opposed to compete. 

My friend went to the Knicks v Heat game last night in Miami.  In one word he described Wade's 40 point performance, "AMAZING."  My friend doesn't play for the Knicks, but I wonder if the Knicks had the same reaction...  Man, I hope not.

Come on: Lakers, Spurs, Knicks, Mavericks, Jazz, Celtics, etc.  I realize that the Heat are like crazy Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction ~ they will not be ignored, but...  It ain't over, til it's over guys.  It's a long season...  COMPETE!!!


THE WIRK

Miami Heat came back to stun and to defeat the Washington Wizards, 95-94

Last night was busy. About 200 of my friends have a private party every year and that was last night.  In addition, the Miami Heat were in town to take on the Washington Wizards.  Earlier in the day, the Wizards and the Orlando Magic executed a trade that sent Gilbert Arenas to the Magic (i.e. in exchange for Rashard Lewis).  There was also talk before the trade was "announced" that President Obama would be at the game.  Needless to say, and maybe it was coincidental, after the trade was announced word spread that the President bailed and skipped the game.  ****  I think I read that he had a scheduling conflict.

I arrived at the Verizon Center late, because I had to get ready and bring a dress with me for the party I'd be heading to after the game.  By the time I got to the arena, I missed the player introductions and the opening tip.  ****  I hate when I miss the opening tip of a game.  I checked the score board and the Wizards were winning.  Specifically, I remember Nick Young was ballin'.  It's definitely Nick's turn to shine, now that Gilbert Arenas is gone.

2 rows in front of me was the Miami Heat bench.  Yep.  2 rows.  If you don't like it, TOUGH.  I get what I want.  I till can't get used to seeing Zydrunas in a Heat uniform, but it is what it is.

As I watched the game unfold, I couldn't believe what I was watching.  The Wizards had the lead, and the Heat looked tired (i.e. they were in New York the night before).

I noticed Coach Spoelstra in front of me.  He's so cute!  He's had my eye since he was on the other end of the Heat bench.  I wish him the best.  Too bad that his team has to win in order for him to be successful though. 

I'm not a fan of the "Unholy Union" created by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and that other guy.  I do like Wade though.  As an Ohio girl who's spent many years in Northeast Ohio, I just can't get down with and support LeBron after the way he executed his "Decision".

During the game, a guy a few rows behind me yelled, "Hey, Dwyane Wade.  You're so good, you don't even have to PLAY defense."  It was quiet.  Wade heard him and laughed.  The entire section laughed.  It was an AWESOME MOMENT.

As time ticked away in the Coach Spoelstra could've easily conceded the game and let his players rest.  Instead, the Heat fought back.  They hustled.  The often injured Zydrunas Ilgauskas even hit the deck fighting for a rebound.

With about a minute left on the game clock, my friend in section 121 started jawing with Mike Miller.  He told Miller to warm up the buses, because it was time for the Heat to go home.  Mike just smiled.  Who knew Miller would have the last laugh?!?!  ****  Miller must be salivating at the chance to hit the court with the Unholy Union...  I need to see when he's returning from his injury.

As time elapsed the Heat edged back into the game and during the time outs, Miller was laughing and smiling.  I asked my other friend near the section, how he thought the game would end.  He gave me a "thumbs down" signal.  Everyone knew the inevitable was going to happen.  The stress was palpable.  The Washington Wizards couldn't close the Miami Heat out, and they were going to pay for that mistake.

One of the Heat bench players looked at my section and said, "It's over now."  He was right.  The Heat defeated the Wizards and won the game with a final score of 95-94. 

For the Wizards, Nick Young had the game of his life with 30 points.  LeBron James led all scorers with 32 points.  For those of you that don't know.  Washington DC isn't generally fond of LeBron because of all the Wizards v Cavs playoffs series, back when the Wizards were competitive. 

LeBron had the last laugh last night.

THE WIRK

LeBron's Cleveland Homecoming tomorrow ~ It feels like NBA Christmas Eve

It's December 1st, but it might as well be NBA Christmas Eve in Ohio with all the anticipation surrounding LeBron's return to Cleveland.  You'd think LeBron was Santa.  Actually, that's a VERY BAD analogy (i.e. more suitable would be those letters flipped around to spell "Satan"), since I don't believe most people are excited about LeBron's return to the Quicken Loans Arena for the "right" reasons.  What are the "right" reasons?  I don't know. 

I do know that people who were originally going to skip the game for safety concerns or to avoid the mess, are now ponying up the dough and texting me that they'll be there and/or wanting to know if I have time to meet up before the game.  ****  If you're going to be at the game and you know me, please text me so we can catch up.

I'm in Ohio.  I came in this morning because my mom is having a surgical procedure tomorrow.  I will be at the hospital bright and early and when she is home recovering (i.e. hopefully knocked out on meds) and under the watchful eye of my brother (i.e. a non-practicing physician) I will be on the road to Cleveland.  If my mother isn't knocked out on drugs, I guarantee that she will be in front of the TV watching the game.  It's all she can talk about, and she's not a LeBron fan. 

She's an NBA fan because of me.  She's familiar with the Cavs because of me.  She's gone to a few Cleveland Cavaliers games with me.  Now that I think about it she's even been to Richfield Coliseum.  Athough she may not be all up to date on the nitty gritty (i.e. she asked me if Gund Arena and the Quicken Loans Arena were two different buildings while we were eating dinner tonight), she's still going to be rooting for the Cavs.  Now that I think about it, my brother lives in Miami and he's flying tonight.  Hmmm, maybe it's a good thing that I'm not going to be at home for the game after all.

****  Actually, I just literally asked my mom who she's rooting for and she stared at me blankly.  What the heck is going on around here?!!?  Give me strength.  Wow.  She just asked me if the Cleveland Cavaliers are any good.  I must remain silent.  I cannot antagonize her before her surgery tomorrow.

Do you think LeBron is going to do the talc/chalk thing before the game tomorrow?  I say, YES.  I think if he had the nerve to do the show "The Decision", why not throw some talc in the air?  I think his bravado won't make him refrain from the pre-game production.

Even if LeBron does the same talcum powder routine,

it'll still be a different site

I've heard LeBron make mention of the visitor locker room.  I can't remember if I've been in there or not, but even if I had I'm sure it's been remodeled through the years.  If you're familiar at all with the tunnels of the Quicken Loans Arena, you know that the visitor locker room is the first one on the left right when you hang a right from where the bus parks.  If I remember correctly, the referees locker room is next and it's on the right if you proceed down the hall.  The home locker room is all the way through the tunnel past the family lounge and the home tunnel.  Unless LeBron really feels like greeting the arena employees, his interaction with the crew will probably be limited since he doesn't have to go that far into the building.  I wonder what sort of reception he'll receive from the always professional security staff.  Regardless, because of the set up, who really cares about the visitor locker room.  Sure it's smaller (i.e. I've seen teams stretching in the halls pre-game), but it has everything the Heat need.

Wait.  Cutie, Coach Erik Spoelstra will be in Cleveland too.  Hellooooo.  I wonder if Zydrunas will do me a favor and give him my number.  Hahaha.  But seriously, enough years have passed.  Can't we all just get along?!!?

I'm looking forward to seeing Byron Scott coach the Cavs.  As a former Lakers fan, I am a Byron Scott fan.

I hope the game is competitive.  I hope the Cavs come out blazing at that everyone plays at the top of their game.  I would love to see the Cavs win.  If the Cavs win, I'm sure the dynamic three-o (i.e. Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James) will allude to the fact that they didn't get much rest after playing the Detroit Pistons.  Wow.  How exciting would it be to see the Detroit Pistons defeat the Miami Heat tonight?  OK.  Maybe now I'm dreaming.

But like I said, it's only December 1st but it feels like Christmas Eve for basketball fans in Northeast Ohio.  Instead of putting up stockings and laying out cookies, I'm sure kids and adults are breaking out the markers, making posters, and/or printing T-shirts in preparation for tomorrow night's game. 

It should be a sight, and with the holiday season approaching now is the time to dream and make a wish or two!  ****  How do I know?  One of my wishes already came true earlier today.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Don't even worry about it.


THE WIRK

Oh Oh, it's Magic ~ the Orlando Magic defeat the Miami Heat

The battle of Florida was tonight, and the Orlando Magic beat the Miami Heat by a score of 104-95 at the Amway Center. 

****  I still need to make it to that new Amway Center.  I went to the old Amway Center when the Cleveland Cavaliers were playing against the Orlando Heat for the Eastern Conference Championship.  I was at Game 4 and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost a heartbreaker, with a score of 116-114.  It would take 6 games, and ultimately the Cavs would lose the series.  The pictures for this post are from that trip.     

View from the concourse of the old Amway Center

I just checked Covers.com and unless I'm reading it wrong, the money line was Orlando -165.  Hmmm, Vegas must realize that the gen pop (i.e. general population) is losing faith in the Me-A-Me Heat.  Whatever.

Unlike the Game 6 in Orlando that I watched, Dwyane Wade wasn't sitting as a spectator courtside.  He played tonight for the Miami Heat, and tallied 18 points in 40 minutes of action.  ****  I will admit I like Dwyane Wade, but it's so dificult to root for him with LeBron and Chris Bosh as the balance for the trio.

I didn't get to watch the whole game, but I did watch the last 4 minutes.  I checked the box score and it looks like both teams had balanced scoring.  Who really cares, though.  At the end of the day ~ the Miami Heat lose, another Angel gets his/her wings, and I go to sleep happy.

Miami is now 8-7 after dropping three games in a row!

In honor of the Orlando Magic defeating the Miami Heat tonight, and the fact that it was snowing in Minneapolis this afternoon (i.e. the song mentions "summer") how about we listen to a little music?

Here's "Magic" by The Cars. 

This can't be good for Erik Spoelstra...


THE WIRK

Quick Poll: Who should coach the Miami Heat ~ Riley v Spoelstra?

There has been a lot of chatter about who should be head coach of the Miami Heat. 

I have been a fan of Erik Spoelstra ever since he was on the other end of the bench (i.e. from Pat Riley).  Believe it.  Why?  Because I think he's cute.  ****  In the interest of full-disclosure, I'm half Filipina.  Spoelstra started his career with the Miami Heat as video coordinator and is currently the head coach (i.e. after more or less being hand picked by Riley). 

I never really watched the Miami Heat, until Riley joined them in the mid-90s.  I remember watching the Heat go against the New York Knicks in the late-90s and the physicality of those games.  ****  I'll admit that I probably should have been studying, since I was in medical/graduate school at the time.  Sorry, dad.  Haha.  There's no question that Pat Riley has had amazing success as a head coach.  Riley, the current Miami Heat team president, has won 5 NBA Championships as a head coach (i.e. 6 if you count when he was an assistant). 

Riley made me a Laker fan when I was younger, because I couldn't take my eyes off of Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Byron Scott, and A.C. Green.  ****  Til this day, I have a poster of the Los Angeles Lakers in my mom's house and a framed Magic Johnson picture at my dad's house.  I dare both of them to get rid of either item.  When most girls dreamt about going to the beach or Disney World, I dreamt about going to The Forum.  Incidentally, I never made it to The Forum, but I have been to the Staples Center twice.

It wasn't The Forum, but I was still happy

Back to Miami...

With the trio of Chris Bosh (i.e. I can't believe I just typed his name), Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James performing below public expectations (i.e. notice I said "public" and not "my"), the chatter about a change in leadership has increased in volume...

What do you think?  I remember watching a debate about players v coaches.  A former NBA player argued that players are judged by whether or not they have a NBA Championship ring.  Coaches, he argued, are judged by their win v loss percentage.  In another article a case was made that a coach should be judged by his record v expectations (i.e. games that you should win count less, because you SHOULD HAVE won them anyway).

There's no question that the final score of the Miami Heat v Indiana Pacers, was a game that the public "expected" the Heat to win.  My buddy is in Vegas right now and he texted me that the money line was Indiana +425.  That was a nice pay out for anyone who had the nerve to bet it.  He also texted me that, "Every time the Heat lose, an Angel gets his/her wings."  But I digress...

What do you think?  Do you think Pat Riley could get more out of the Miami Heat (i.e. than Spoelstra) or is it just growing pains as the team develops its own style and rhythm?  Oh, and I have to ask:  Do you think Riley will replace Spoelstra this season?


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

Miami Heat v Boston Celtics ~ Thoughts from the 4th quarter

We're in the final stretch...  Miami Heat v Boston Celtics, 4th quarter action starts now.  Let's do this...

• Zydrunas is still in the game.  I think he played the entire 3rd quarter.  I think he just picked up his 4th foul.  He's hitting the bench with 10:53 in the 4th left.
• Chris Bosh missed.  He's now 3 for 11 from the field.
• Udonis Haslem hit his shot to cut the Boston lead to 5.  There are just under 9 minutes left on the clock.  ****  Yep, I was right.  It looks like Boston has let up.  Come on, Celtics!!!!
• Since I've seen it at least twice now, I should probably comment.  I like the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar commercial.  I'm glad they didn't show him wearing his shape ups though.  When I think "sexy, toned legs" I don't think of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
• I think the faux-hawk is working for Big Baby Davis.  He just extended the Celtics lead to 6 after some guy on the Heat had cut it to 4.
• Pierce must be feeling better, since he just drained a 3.  The Boston lead is back to 6 with just over 7 minutes to go.
• I need to check the roster.  Who is Jones on the Heat?  No, it's not Eddie. 
• That Jones guy on the Heat just fouled Paul Pierce behind the 3-point arc.  Thank you, Jones!  Pierce is perfect from the line (e.g. 6 for 6) and the Celtics lead by 11, with about 4 and a half minutes left.
• Kevin Garnett shot and got his own rebound and passed it to Big Baby who drained his shot.  Beautiful!  13 point Boston lead.
• Just saw the stat line.  LeBron has 26 points and the Heat is losing.
• LeBron is on fire.  Just drained a 3.  Still losing, but by 8 now.  He just launched another 3 and missed.  Hehehehe :-P
• They're showing Erik Spoelstra now.  I feel bad for him.  If he can't get those 3 guys to win, I'm guessing he's going to lose his job.  Don't worry, Erik!  I liked you when you were sitting on the other end of the bench, so you will still have a fan in me.
• Heat on an 8-0 run and the Boston lead is only 5.  Miami has the ball, and LeBron just cut the lead to 3.  LeBron now has 30 points.
• Under a minute to go, Boston with the ball, Ray Allen just drained a 3!  His mom and I are on our feet!!!!!!  Celtics up by 6 with 49.8 on the clock. 
• Dwyane Wade just missed his 3 point attempt. 
• Celtics using the clock, playing smart.  Wade waited a while, and fouled Pierce.  I wonder why he didn't foul right away.
• Pierce at the line with 27.4 on the clock.  He makes both free throws.  Celtics up by 8.
• The Boston crowd is loudly chanting O-VER-RATED.  I love it!!!!

Game over.  Celitics win 88-80.  LeBron had 31 points. Bosh and Wade's numbers aren't worth mentioning.  The Miami Heat are 0-1.  Only 81 more games to go!  ****  If I have to watch a Bosh interview after this I might scream.


THE WIRK

Miami Heat v Boston Celtics ~ Thoughts during 1st Quarter

Opening night for NBA action, and since I'm "trapped" watching the game I figured I'd start a string of bullets to collect my thoughts as I watch and listen to this Miami Heat v Boston Celtics game.  I will admit, right now.  I'm from Ohio.  I used to be a huge LeBron proponent.  I am/was very familiar with the Cleveland Cavs organization and I'm still DISGRUNTLED and ANNOYED with "The Decision".  I understand, LeBron had the right to leave.  I'm one of those people that thinks that THE WAY he did it, was classless. 

Oh, and I must mention that I saw his latest Nike commercial earlier today.  I think it sucks.  And "Yes," LeBron, you ruined your legacy.

• I want the Boston Celtics to win tonight. 
• I want the Miami Heat to go 0-82.
• Poor Craig Sager, having to interview Chris Bosh before the game.   I wonder just how bad, Miami's record has to be, before Bosh will stop getting interviewed.  I'm tired of hearing that Miami's 3 (i.e. Wade, LeBron, and Bosh <--- I think I just threw up in my mouth typing "Bosh") didn't have much court time together.  Sooo sorry, there wasn't much rehearsal time due to injuries...  That's LIFE.  Suck it up. 
• It's good to see Steve Kerr on TV again.  Hmmm, that reminds me of that I used to date a guy that looked just like him...  ****Not sure what that means or how it's relevant, but this is my blog so I can include whatever I want.
• LeBron is still doing the chalk into...  Guess that's gonna stay.
• Shaquille O'Neal as a Celtic...  I hope it works out for him and for Boston fans better than it did during his stint with the Phoenix Suns.  I want to see Boston succeed with Shaq...  However, I must admit I don't expect much out of the big fella.
• The score is Miami: 8, and Boston: 14.  I am thrilled.
• Dwyane Wade is 0-4 from the field right no.  Game is a little boring.
• They just showed Erik Spoelstra.  Ok, I'm back to being interested in this game again.
• Not only is Wade 0-4, he as 3 turnovers and just sat down on the bench.

End of the 1st Q ~ Heat 9. Boston 16.  Ugh, now they're showing that stupid Nike commercial again.  How long is this commercial?  It feels like it's 7 minutes long...  Yuck.


THE WIRK

Quick Poll: Would you watch the Heat play the Cavs at the Q?

Simple question:  Now that LeBron has joined the Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami, would you watch the Miami Heat play the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Quicken Loans Arena?

Here's some video I shot (i.e. at Game 6 of the Cavs v Wiz series in April 2008) of LeBron's pregame chalk routine, that we'll probably never have to see again...




THE WIRK

Dan Gilbert's (Cleveland Cavs majority owner) Open Letter "says" what needed to be "said"

I can't not include this in my blog.  I commend Dan Gilbert for having the guts to say something (i.e. even though it's too late).  Someone needs to say something.  To have LeBron not contact the Cleveland Cavaliers and not inform them of his decision after 7 years and all that the organization has done for him, his friends, and family is utterly DESPICABLE.

I heard LeBron mention something about the Cavaliers getting rid of him.  Give me a break.  The city cried when he was drafted and welcomed him with open arms and were willing to fight for him with both arms also.  All it takes is a look at oft-injured, veteran center who NEVER gave up and always believed to see that loyalty is rewarded.  Rome wasn't built in a day, and I doubt sincerely that the Heat earn the championships they expect to win with the Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James trio...  If anything LeBron has placed himself among a different peer group in his attempt to chase titles.  He's now a "Pippen" (i.e. SORRY, SCOTTIE), but not even ~ because Pippen actually WON.  ****  Scottie Pippen is actually a trending topic on Twitter right now, so obviously great minds think alike!

Below is the full-text of Dan Gilbert's open letter and the link for you to click on if you prefer:  http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/gilbert_letter_100708.html


THE WIRK
----------------------------

Cavaliers: Open Letter to Fans from Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert


Dear Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters Wherever You May Be Tonight;

As you now know, our former hero, who grew up in the very region that he deserted this evening, is no longer a Cleveland Cavalier.

This was announced with a several day, narcissistic, self-promotional build-up culminating with a national TV special of his "decision" unlike anything ever "witnessed" in the history of sports and probably the history of entertainment.

Clearly, this is bitterly disappointing to all of us.

The good news is that the ownership team and the rest of the hard-working, loyal, and driven staff over here at your hometown Cavaliers have not betrayed you nor NEVER will betray you.

There is so much more to tell you about the events of the recent past and our more than exciting future. Over the next several days and weeks, we will be communicating much of that to you.

You simply don't deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.

You have given so much and deserve so much more.

In the meantime, I want to make one statement to you tonight:

"I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE"

You can take it to the bank.

If you thought we were motivated before tonight to bring the hardware to Cleveland, I can tell you that this shameful display of selfishness and betrayal by one of our very own has shifted our "motivation" to previously unknown and previously never experienced levels.

Some people think they should go to heaven but NOT have to die to get there.

Sorry, but that's simply not how it works.

This shocking act of disloyalty from our home grown "chosen one" sends the exact opposite lesson of what we would want our children to learn. And "who" we would want them to grow-up to become.

But the good news is that this heartless and callous action can only serve as the antidote to the so-called "curse" on Cleveland, Ohio.

The self-declared former "King" will be taking the "curse" with him down south. And until he does "right" by Cleveland and Ohio, James (and the town where he plays) will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.

Just watch.

Sleep well, Cleveland.

Tomorrow is a new and much brighter day....

I PROMISE you that our energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience will be directed at one thing and one thing only:

DELIVERING YOU the championship you have long deserved and is long overdue....





Dan Gilbert
Majority Owner
Cleveland Cavaliers