Vitaly Potapenko is an Assistant Coach for the Indiana Pacers ~ Who knew?

Are my eyes deceiving me or is Vitaly Potapenko really an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers?  Wow.  I just saw him sitting behind the Pacers bench.  I knew Vitaly back when he was with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  The Ukraine Train was very good friends with my first fiancee, and went to college at Wright State University (i.e. where I grew up).  When my ex and I started dating, Vitaly was around.  I like him.  I remember that he got engaged first, then I did, and then Bobby.  ****  Incidentally the 3 couples who all got engaged never got married and there was one "switcheroo".

The stories I could tell, but won't...  I should dig up the pictures of the crew back then.  It all seems like a lifetime ago!  I haven't kept up with the Pacers much this season (i.e. obviously), but I'm very impressed with how well they've been playing against the Chicago Bulls.

Over the weekend, I went to Atlantic City and saw the score during the 4th quarter for Game 1 of the Pacers v Bulls series and couldn't believe my eyes.  The Pacers were in the lead.  Chicago came back to win, thanks to Kyle Korver and Derrick Rose.

Game 2 looks like it's following the same script!  23.4 seconds left and the Bulls only lead by 2, 88-90. 

Game ON!


THE WIRK

Father-Daughter Vegas vacation ~ Great laughs, big wins!!

My dad is the best, and we just had another father-daughter weekend in Vegas.  What started out with father-daughter dinners as a girl scout and father-daughter dances in high school graduated to weekends in Vegas.  It may not be for everyone, but it works for us!

Here are some random thoughts, status updates, and quotes from the weekend.

• Just landed in Vegas. Flight attendant says that our bags are coming in on carousel 7. The guy behind me starts yelling, "seven"! I turn around and say, "So you're a don't guy?". He says, "yep". End of discussion.

As soon as I landed, within an hour or so, I received a text from my best friend from college/medical school.  He was in Vegas also.  Talk about lucky!  What a great coincidence...

Eventually, my dad got hungry so it was off to Gaylord India Restaurant at the Rio Hotel and Casino.  It's one of our favorites.  As soon as we ordered, there was an Asian waitress that came over.

• Dad (As Chinese waitress brings new plates): Wow, big china...
  Me: You can't call her that.
  Dad: What the hell are you talking about? I'm talking about the bigger dishes (as he holds up the new plate).
  Me: Oh...

We ordered the chicken curry.  When it came out, there was also some vegetarian curry.

• Me: What's in the vegetarian curry?
  Dad: Vegetables are for poor people.

Friday night I bet the Atlanta Hawks to cover against the New Orleans Hornets.  Friday night, was also the night that history was made and the Hawks only scored 59 points (i.e. the lowest point total in FRANCHISE history)...  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?  Absolutely ridiculous.

Friday night I was playing rapid craps over at Bill's.  It was painfully slow, but it was great to sit and laugh and catch up with my best friend.  We sat there betting the "Don't" since it was impossible for any shooter to get into any kind of rhythm with a slow dealer.  As we were sitting, he said "Isn't that your dad?"   Sure enough, my dad was walking into the casino.  I was happy to have them both there and I re-introduced them.  Within a few minutes my dad left to go get some food. 

Later that night, I checked out The Cosmopolitan (i.e. I believe it's a Marriott property).  It's fancy.  I don't think it's for a serious gambler.  It's more of a see and be seen place.  I didn't check out the table minimums this trip.  I'll do it next time.

I also walked over to Vdara Hotel and Spa.  The rooms are nice.  I saw an executive suite.  It had a kitchen, washer and dryer, etc. but no casino.  It was nice, but for my money and the location, I'd rather stay at the Palazzo or Venetian.

I passed through the Bellagio on the way back to the strip.  There was no robbery taking place so it was cool.  Based on the decor there and near the Palazzo, I think it's the year of the rabbit.  I'm a rabbit and rabbits are lucky so I couldn't resist taking pictures.

Saturday I dragged myself down to the sportsbook to bet on Ohio State.  The Buckeyes are ranked #1 and were in Illinois.  I had Buckeyes -3.5, the money line, and in a parlay with the Washington Capitals.  All the bets were winners!

Saturday night I was at the Venetian's sportsbook, watching the Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Clipppers.

• Wankster looking Asian guy in sportsbook yelled, "Real LA fans are Clippers fans because people from LA can't afford Lakers tickets!". Instantly 3 other Asian guys raised their hands and said, "I can afford them.".

I watched the rest of the game after dinner at Harrah's while my dad was at the craps table.  The Indiana Pacers' Posey launched a 3-pointer towards the end of the game.  The way I see it, the Blazers owe me a point, since I lost by half of one.  Those are the breaks...

When I went to check on my dad he was sitting on a stool playing craps with thousand of dollars in front of him.  No wonder he wasn't bothering me.  I tapped him and told him it was time to go.  After another 10-15 mins he left the table a WINNER.

He has to sit since he's not really in condition to stand at a craps table for an extended period of time (i.e. read HOURS).  He's assured me he's going to start exercising so he can walk the strip more and stand longer.  I find this completely hilarious and have asked him to document his training regimen so I could laugh some more.  He thinks that I'm kidding.  I'm not.

Back in the room dad was tired and was rubbing his legs since they were sore.

• Dad (as he is rubbing his legs): I don't know what this is supposed to do, but back home we have servants for this...

The man is funny.

Before I left I gave my dad specific instructions to bet on the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC and NFC Championship Games.  I couldn't place my bets since the book had closed, and I was leaving.  He could and did. 

• Me: Go collect the money.
  Dad: Did we win?
  Me: Duh. Of course we did.
  Dad: Again?
  Me: Yep...
  Dad: Oh, ok. That was easy...

We cleaned up nicely...  Now I just need to figure out how to get the money from him. 

THE WIRK

NBA: My thoughts on the Eastern Conference ~ Can't we just pick 6?

I was talking to my friend, Teri, over the weekend and we were talking about the Eastern Conference and how it's "weak" relative to the Western Conference. 

The final 2 spots in the East as of now are being held by 2 teams that are below .500.  When was the last time any of you basketball fans were clamoring to see the Sixers or the Pacers this year?  Yeah, I know.  Me neither.

1. Boston Celtics
2. Miami Heat
3. Chicago Bulls
4. Atlanta Hawks
5. Orlando Magic
6. New York Knicks
7. Philadelphia 76ers (17-23)
8. Indiana Pacers (16-22)

Granted it's still early, but my initial reaction is "ewwwwwww". 

I like the Boston Celitcs on top and with Kevin Garnett back in the line-up, let's hope they stay healthy. Now I just need to check and see if there's a time table for Kendrick Perkins. I know Perkins has practiced, but last I saw he was on the bench during the game.

I'm anti-Lebron but pro-Dwyane Wade/Erik Spoelstra/Pat Riley, so I'm torn when it comes to the Miami Heat. Even being anti-Lebron, I have to admit that play when he twisted his ankle, went out of bounds, and then drained a 3 from the corner was impressive. Yes, I'm not blind. I saw it, and I was impressed.

How about Derrick Rose's triple double (i.e. granted it was against the Memphis Grizzlies, but it still counts)?!?!  What about Kyle Korver's 3-point shooting?  If those guys can keep up the effort and keep making shots while Boozer is out, then I'd consider the Chicago Bulls to be a viable threat.  I'm just not sure about their strength with Joakim Noah still out of the line-up.

I think the biggest surprise is Atlanta. In the words of Elmer Fudd, they've been "very, very quiet" yet the numbers don't lie (27-15).

I like the Knicks and am impressed with how well Amare Stoudemire is playing.  I anticipate heading to Madison Square Garden again before the NBA All-Star break to catch the Los Angeles Clippers and/or the Los Angeles Lakers in town.  I'm not sure how long the Knicks can continue to "bring it", but I am pulling for them.   

Those are my thoughts on the East.


THE WIRK

ESPN 30 for 30: Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs the Knicks ~ Watch it

****  I saw this poster when I was in Indianapolis for the Baltimore Ravens v Indianapolis Colts AFC Wildcard game, November 16, 2009.  Before the Colts game, I went with a friend to watch the New Orleans Hornets play the Indiana Pacers.  We only stayed at Conseco Fieldhouse for a short time (i.e. because of the football game).  I never knew I'd need this picture, until tonight.

I just finished watching ESPN's 30 for 30 "Winning time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks"... 

I was never a Reggie Miller fan, but boy did my all into supporting Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks.  "He's never going to win it for you," was what my dad would say about Patrick Ewing and the Knicks.  Man, til this day I can hear my dad's voice saying that sentence.  He was right, but that's not the point of this post.

The year was 1985...

Originally a Lakers fan, my happiness during the NBA playoffs lived and died with the Knicks in the mid 80s-90s...  ****  Ever since Georgetown lost to Villanova in 1985, I was a Ewing fan.  When Ewing went to the Knicks, I (i.e. my heart and part of my NBA loyalty) went to the Knicks.

As I watched the 30 for 30 episode, I laughed to myself.  The relationship between Cheryl and Reggie Miller remind me of me and my brother.  As an older sister my brother and I would always compete.  I think the fact that we're similar in age forced us to be assertive and put a fire in both of us to succeed.  As I watched, I started to chuckle and sent my brother a text.  It said, "Watching ESPN 30 for 30.  Cheryl and Reggie Miller remind me of you and me.  Is it tough to live in my shadow? Hahaha.  Just kidding!" Needless to say, my brother has yet to reply.

As I watched the episode, so many memories came flooding back.  If you show me a score of 58-70, with the Pacers losing to the Knicks, I know what happens.  Reggie is going to start launching 3s.  ****  As I continued to watch clips of Reggie draining 3s, I started to feel sick.

All the footage from the Knicks and Pacers battles on the court, reminded me of the physicality that used to be part of the game.  How could Rik Smits not be considered soft in those days with warriors on the floor that weren't afraid to make contact on their way to the hole?!?  I'm not going to lie.  Admittedly, watching all the contact, jersey pulling, head butts, etc. has me fired up right now.
 
1995, 8 points in 9 seconds...  With 18.7 seconds left ~ Reggie wanted a quick 3 and everyone knows it.  The Pacers were down 99-105.  It was Reggie's time.  Reggie shot and drained a 3. On the inbounds play, Reggie stole the ball, went behind the arc, and launched ANOTHER 3.  105-105.  TIED GAME.  John Starks was at the line with a chance to give the Knicks the lead.  John Starks at the line: Clang 1. Starks shoots the 2nd: Clang X2...  Did you hear "clangs 1 and 2"?  Everyone who loved basketball did. 
 
Next thing you knew Reggie Miller was fouled and made both of his free throw.  The Pacers won Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semis with a score of 107-105.  GAME OVER.  "John Starks choked," was the quote I heard from Reggie.  To be honest, he was right.  I was never a fan of John Starks either.  He was way too streaky for me.
 
Knicks found themselves down 3-1 in the series, but would win Game 5 (i.e. thanks to Ewing and the refs for not calling traveling).  and Game 6.  Game 7 would be at Madison Square Garden, and the winner would face Orlando for the Eastern Conference Finals.  
 
With 5 seconds left.  The Knicks were down 95-97.  Everyone knew the ball was going to Ewing.  Ron Harper inbounded the ball to Ewing.  Ewing turned at the top of the key (i.e. everyone including the big man expected contact).  Instead of going strong to the hoops and even dunking, Ewing laid the ball up and the ball RIMMED OUT...  Ewing went down with his ship, and immediately my heart sank.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!  I called my dad who was "watching the game with me", to talk it over.  I was so shocked and inconsolable.  Like I said earlier, my dad always told (i.e. and continues to tell) it to me "straight".  He never believed Ewing would win the title with the Knicks.
 
Ultimately, the Pacers defeated the Knicks at the Game 7 at the Garden, but it wasn't the Conference Final.  Both the Pacers have yet to win a NBA Championship (i.e. since 1973).  If Ewing couldn't win it all, at least Reggie didn't win one either...

"8 points in 9 seconds,"  wow ~ that phrase still excites and nauseates me.  Absolutely AMAZING.  Here's a clip of the play(s) that I found on Youtube.



**** Do me a favor, if you liked this post or any other of the posts in this blog, please go to the upper right hand corner of this blog and vote for me for Blogger of the Year. It only takes a second. Thanks!

 
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