A few iPhone pics from Game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals ~ Mavericks win!

Yes, I went to the Game 6 of the NBA finals.  Yes, I saw the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Miami Heat for the 2011 NBA Championship.  Yes, I have pictures from my camera to post. 

These are a few pictures from my iPhone.  One is the view from my seat.  The other is the NBA Finals crew of Stuart Scott, Jon Barry, Michael Wilbon, and Magic Johnson.  The last one is of the two Miami Heat fans behind me.

No, I don't have the energy to write up my thoughts now.  I will go through my camera and do a more comprehensive post before Sunday.  I PROMISE.

Patience, please.

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

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

Game 6: Lakers dominate the Celtics and force a Game 7

By now we all know that Game 6 of the Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers series was a blow out.  Being that the Lakers had to win or go home, it was a HUGE game for Laker fans.  The ONLY place to be for a Laker fan with the means and a little bit of luck was the Staples Center!

I should've known that the Lakers were going to win when I was walking into the arena.  I am usually good luck.  Also, while walking into the building I heard the ESPN radio guys, say that Tom Izzo turned down the Cleveland Cavaliers job.  ****  Yep, you were right, Soup.  I should've listened to you, from the start!

Christina Aguilera sang the National Anthem before the game.  She watched most of the game with her husband in seats on the baseline.

Opening Tip

I posted my pictures from the game 6 last night, and a friend pointed out today that the score with 1:55 left in the 4th Q, was the final score of the game.  NO buckets in the last 2 minutes of the game...  I guess, why even bother.  The Celtics had basically stopped competing and the number 59 seemed to live on the scoreboard for the longest time.  59 points.  If you would've told me that the Celtics would have scored only 59 points, "For the Longest Time" (i.e. now I have that Billy Joel song in my head), I would've told you that you were crazy.

Kendrick Perkins' presence (i.e. or lack there of) was palpable.  He left the game in the 1st, with what I hear is a hyper-extended right knee.  I never really realized how much of an impact he made, until he was gone.  Great.  Now I have a song from the hair band, Cinderella, in my head.  If you want more information on the injury or want to see the video, check out Sekou Smith's Hang Time Blog.  According to everything I've read and heard, Perk isn't going to play in Game 7, Thursday night.

Celtics team checking on Kendrick Perkins who's on the court

At the end up the 1st Q, the Lakers were up 10 on the Celtics with a score of 28-18.

At the end up the 2nd Q, the Lakers were up 20 on the Celtics with a score of 51-31.

Don't get excited.  I have tons of rally towels for all sorts of teams...

As much as I'm not a Kobe Bryant fan, I have to admit he does put up excellent numbers.  Numbers don't lie.  He ended the game with 26 points, 11 boards, and 3 assists. 

For you gamblers out there, here's some information.  I was just in Vegas and the spread on the game is Lakers -7.  If I remember correctly, the Money Line was Lakers -360 and Celtics +280.  I also checked covers.com earlier in the evening and the consensus was about 60% Celtics and 40% Lakers.  Just saying...

I was lucky enough to score a ticket at the last minute to Game 6.  I was on my way to the Staples Center and ended up parking in the Venice garage on/around 15th and Figueroa for $12.  The garage was just past the Convention Center.  Thank goodness I got there early, since the parking lots (i.e. that weren't already full at 4PM) were filling up quickly. 

At the arena, I immediately texted my friends and gave them my coordinates, but I wasn't about to get up and chase people around.  I'd just finished my Mickey Mouse Scavenger Hunt, and I was exhausted.  I wanted the game to begin, and I was surrounded by a sea of Lakers fans.  That reminds me, I couldn't help but notice a Celtics fan who had a purse.  I swear it was on his shoulder.  Now I realize it's probably his wife's purse, but seriously?!?!  ****  Ladies, don't make your men carry your purse ~ it makes them look ridiculous.  If you love your man at all, carry it yourself.  The guy was getting ripped on by entire sections in the arena the entire game, and if you ask me he was asking for it.  It definitely wasn't the smartest move he could've made.

Game 6 ended with a final score of 89-67.  Lakers dominated.

Game 7 is Thursday night at 9PM EST.  I won't be at the Staples Center, but I'll be watching.


THE WIRK

Staples Center, Game 6 Eve: Boston Celtics v Los Angeles Lakers

Ever been to the Staples Center?  I have.  I'm proud to say that I've been there twice now.  I'm an old school Lakers fan.  I'm not a Kobe Bryant fan so it's been tough watching the Los Angeles Lakers play the Boston Celtics in the finals. 

I'm a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, so without a real horse in the race ~ I'm conflicted.  Anywhere but in LA, I'd probably root for Boston.  However, "when in Rome" and being an old school Lakers fan, I HAD to get myself into the game and root for the Lakers.  Yeah, I know...  It hurts me too.

Here are some pictures I took while running around the Staples Center recently (i.e. the eve of Game 6).

Magic Johnson ~ if you don't like him, there's probably something wrong with you

Chick Hearn and I

THE WIRK

Game 6: Lakers defeat the Suns and Memorial Day weekend in Phoenix

What did you do over Memorial Day weekend?  I was fortunate to be able to go to Game 6 of the Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns series at the US Airways Center...  By now, if you follow sports, you already know what happened.  Even though the Phoenix Suns lost, it was a great game and I enjoyed checking out my 69th venue!

I landed in Phoenix early on Saturday morning and rested for a bit before getting a 75 min massage at the Bliss Spa, located at the W Scottsdale.  Why did I need a massage?  Because on the way to Phoenix, I connected in Minneapolis, and on the way to MSP I faced the triple threat: a seat kicker, a fatty (I.e. Who took the arm rest and 1/4 of my seat), and a sleeper who tried to use my shoulder as a pillow.  Oh well, it happens.  I used my skymiles for a free ticket so it really didn't matter to me.  I was just thrilled to be going to the game and to be on vacation!

After my massage I finally felt relaxed and hung out for an hour before my friend, Brittany, came and grabbed me at the hotel.  We caught up on the way to the arena (i.e. she and I met years ago through mutual friends, in Miami, during the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat).  We separated at will call.  My only complaint about the arena, was that the will call line needed to move faster, but who knows ~ it could be the patrons' fault as to why it was moving so slowly.  Another suggestion is to put more team shops around the concourse.  As I was racing to my seat, I didn't see that many locations for Suns merchandise, so I never did get my Suns hat.  Aside from those 2 things, I like the arena.  Lucky for me, I made it to my seat just in time to take a picture of the opening tip.  Perfect!

I watched the game with Mandy, and we had a great time ~ even though Mandy was rooting for the Lakers, and I was rooting for the Suns. The Suns fought a good fight, and made a run at the end of the game, but the Lakers over-powered them to put an end to the series.  The final score was 103-111.  I never expected to see the Suns have such a successful season, and I was pulling for them to make it to the Finals.  It'll be interesting to see how the offseason plays out for the Suns with free agency. 

As for me, I'm looking forward to watching the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics battle for the NBA Championship, starting on June 3.

A sea of orange at the US Airways Center

Kobe Bryant at the line

 

Both teams strategizing during a time-out

Mandy showing Suns fans keys, since they're heading home...

Meeting up with Brittany after the game.

After the game we went back to the W, since that was the place to be and we were hungry.  ****  Since I was staying at the hotel, it was easy for me to change into evening attire, before dinner at Sushi Roku.  The sushi was yummy and just what we all needed after the game.  After dinner we went up to check out the scene and people watch over by the pool area, under the stars, and the music had the place jumping.

Running into Kenny "the Jet" Smith

Right before I called it a night!

The next day, I ended up sleeping in.  I spent the day at the pool, where the hotel was throwing a luau-themed pool party.  I met Alex, Kat, and Dave and we had a lot of fun spending hours at the pool.  There aren't any pics of the pool party because I'm not about to risk ruining my camera in a pool, but I did manage to get this picture of me and one of the many birds they had on "display".

Today is Monday and I'm finally home.  I connected through Atlanta today and ran into my friend Susan.  I also would be willing to bet cash money that I saw my ex-boyfriend, Jason, and his wife at the gate across from me boarding their flight home to Miami.  Best of all, I ran into Scott (i.e. who was also connecting on his way back to California) and we spent our 2 hour layover chatting the time away in the Samuel Adams bar planning our next adventure. 

Life is good!

THE WIRK

The Cleveland Cavaliers and I are "on a break"

As a Cavs fan, I have to ask, "Why am I friends with this guy?"  Ryan is just one of a few Celtics fans that were out Thursday night and wanted to talk about the game.  Seriously, he's a great guy and one of my many friends that I debate sports with regularly.  In case you are blind and didn't notice, he's also a huge Rondo fan...  During the game yesterday and after it, Celtics fans celebrated, while Cavs fans like myself were numb to the world.
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So, what did you do on Thursday night? Did you do/see anything good? As for me, I made it home just in time for the 2nd half of a heartbreaking game of basketball (i.e. Game 6 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics series). When I made it home, the Cavs actually had the lead.

You know when you're in a relationship and it's not going well ~ but you wait it out and hope that it gets better?  Well, last night I broke up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Actually, technically, I guess you can say we're on "a break".

The team mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted me.  Our relationship had such great promise this year and then it just fell apart. 

I feel cheated.  I feel misled.  I wanted more than they could give.  I've decided ~ I'm going to see other people.  I don't really care what the Cavs do.  It's time for me to cover baseball and other sports topics of interest.  ****  Actually, this morning I heard a rumor that someone on the Cavs slept with someone else's wife.  I made some phone calls and sent some texts and then learned that supposedly, it's a variation of that rumor.  I'm not going to go into details on this blog, because I don't know if it's true or not.  However, my sources are usually good...

Back to my relationship with the Cavs.  You are who you hang out with, and I believe that there is a lot of garbage on the team.  Antawn Jamison is not a winner.  Anderson Varejao is terrible and every time he touches the ball, I want to scream.  My last memory of game 6 is him launching a 3 pointer and missing (i.e. but you knew he missed it without me telling you, right?!?!).  Another Varejao image is him trying to stop play because he was bleeding.  Varejao if you're bleeding, keep bleeding - but NEVER stop playing defense or "offense".  Actually, NEVER play offense either.  I prefer you that if you must step on the court that you NEVER touch the ball.

I watch the Real Houseweives of New Jersey.  Yes, I like trash TV.  I was watching last week, and I heard the best quote from New Jersey matriarch, Caroline Manzo.  She said, "You hang around garbage long enough, and you start to stink."  That's what I think about some of Lebron's supporting cast (i.e. especially Varejao).
I didn't believe in the Shaquille O'Neal trade being the answer.  I like Shaq, and  I believed in his effectiveness years ago. Although I'm an Ilgauskas fan I recognize he can't play forever. I think Mike Brown should be fired. I also blame Danny Ferry, but then again I blame Danny for almost everything. I blame Ferry for the oil leakage in the gulf, global warming, overweight america, stock market crashes, and rain. It's always Ferry's fault.

Lebron.  Now comes the part where I jockey being a fan and being human.  I believe Lebron will stay in Cleveland.  I also believe that if the Cavs were to win a NBA Championship that this was the year for it to happen.  I can't imagine what it feels like in Cleveland today.  I know how it felt when I went to sleep last night.  I cried.  I actually cried because I know, that they (i.e. the city, the team) know, that this was "supposed to be their year".  I don't know if the rumors are true.  I believe the dynamic is flawed.  I hope Lebron doesn't become the new Brett Favre (i.e. stay, go, stay, go) and hold the Cavs hostage.  I do believe he does want to be recruited, but I do believe he will stay home.

As an Ohioan and a Cavs fan, all I can do is hope.  As I said, the Cavs and I are "on a break" and there's no time for tears, it's baseball season!


THE WIRK