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

Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball shows Military Appreciation in DC

Saturday Team USA held a Military Appreciation event at the DC Stadium Armory.  Nike gave away "Hoops for Troops" blue T-shirts and the event was a terrific way for Team USA's Men's and Women's Basketball teams to show their appreciation towards those who serve the USA. 

Approximately 3,100 tickets were distributed and the crowd was thrilled to see our nation's finest basketball athletes work through drills, participate in a scrimmage, and a few selected lucky ducks were able to compete in a skills challenge with their favorite member of the team!

What a great event for the Nike World Basketball Festival, the DC Armory, and Team USA!

Kobe being Kobe



Durant and Westbrook laugh with LeBron

I hope you enjoy the great shots of fan favorites, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James (i.e. along with Washington DC's own Kevin Durant).  These guys may compete with different jerseys during the better part of the year, but in international competition, they're definitely UNITED.

Other notables who attended the event were Lenny Wilkens, Gheorghe Muresan, and the Georgetown University Hoyas' own: Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Coach John Thompson (Senior).

Team USA (both men and women) will take on Brazil at the Verizon Center on Monday, July 16.  The women play first and the men are slated to start at 8PM.

Update (July 16): According to my contact, there are only 2 single tickets available in the lower bowl for tonight's match-ups.  The price is $784/ticket.


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

I didn't watch the Oscars, but I'd like to see an actual award...

Last night the Oscars were held at the Kodak Theatre, and I couldn't have cared less.  I saw that Hollywood was setting up for the awards show 2 weeks ago when I was in California for the NBA All-Star festivities.  Believe it or not, I actually thought the stands that were set up were for the Kobe Bryant event at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.  ****  I'm totally serious.  The upcoming Oscars had completely escaped me, and there was even a huge sign that I missed.

Even though I'm not that into the awards show and missed watching it, since the New York Knicks were playing the Miami Heat, I must admit that it would be nice to hold an Oscar one day.  I solicited my friends for a picture of a Grammy Award for a post I did earlier this year, and my friend, Tracy, said she had a picture of herself with an Oscar (i.e. post awards ceremony at Chateau Marmont). 

Ok, immediately I was curious.  What a lucky girl!  This is Tracy and she is posing with an Oscar was for the movie, CRASH which won three Oscars in 2005 (i.e. Best Film, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Screenplay).  The man in the picture won the Oscar for Best Film Editing.  Not too shabby! 

Maybe if I decide to go "Hollywood" I'll start paying more attention to the Oscars...  I doubt it, though.  There will probably be a game on. 

Don't get me wrong.  I love movies.  I saw Black Swan, The Fighter and The Social Network.  I liked The Social Network the best.  I actually watched The Fighter after watching Black Swan on the same day, and I thought Black Swan was overrated.  The Fighter was interesting to me for a number of reasons, but primarily because I'd actually been to Lowell, MA.  The city plays a distinct character in the movie, similar to New York City in Sex and the City.

One thing I learned from last night's awards ceremony, I need to watch The King's Speech.

THE WIRK

Kobe Bryant's concrete slab at Grauman's Chinese Theatre ~ Take the Tour

One of Kobe's practice slabs

Kobe Bryant is the first athlete to be honored outside of Grauman's Chinese Theatre and I wanted to see his concrete slab.  Kobe's footprints and handprints are being housed inside the theatre so the only way to see them is to buy a ticket for the movie or take the tour.  I opted for the tour, and since I was the only one who bought a ticket, I basically had a private tour guide.

Since I had individual attention, I was able to ask plenty of questions and move through the tour and my own pace.  My tour guide was very knowledgeable and even gave me a coupon to lessen my ticket price.  As we started the tour, we entered the theater and I could see the Chinese theme.  ****  Did you know there's an Egyptian theater also? I didn't.

Immediately I beelined to the front of the theatre for the Kobe Bryant slab of concrete.  Did you know that the honoree practices on three slabs before given a chance to "work on" the larger slab that will go outside?  I didn't.  For Kobe's practice ones, he only did his hands.  For the official one, he did both his hands and his feet.

With a flash you can see the concrete on the red carpet

Kobe's official slab at Grauman's Chinese Theatre ~ hands and feet



Kobe Bryant's official slab and the 3 practice slabs on concrete

I'm not going to tell you everything I learned on the tour, because frankly I don't remember it.  I do think it's an interesting tour though, especially if you like movies.  In college, I took "Introduction to Theater and Film", and it was interesting to learn more about some of the actors and films from that course in relation to Grauman's Chinese Theatre.

Cameron Diaz sat in this seat

Rita Hayworth's hands look like chicken feet, they're so small!

The tour also includes a trip upstairs to a more modern theater with more modern technology.  Ever sat in a seat with D-Box technology?  I did.  It's very cool and now I wish more theatres had it.  The seat moves to go along with the action on the screen!

Grauman's Chinese Theatre is easily accessible by Metro.  I started my trip at the 7th Street Station and took the red line to Hollywood and Highland.  It cost me $3 round trip and the ride is approximately 20 minutes one-way.  I'm usually not one to take public transportation, but this trip was very easy and a great way to avoid LA traffic.

THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Game ~ Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna, Kanye, and Kobe as MVP

Sunday was the day for the NBA All-Star game and as I made my way to the Staples Center, I had 2 things in mind.  Take a picture of the TNT guys doing their thing and take a picture of the newly unveiled Jerry West statue. 

The West won the 2011 NBA All-Star game, even though LeBron James did his best to make up the difference and put the East in the lead.  Kobe Bryant played his heart out in front of the Lakers crowd to win MVP.

If you want to see players up close and can't afford a lower level ticket, here's a tip ~ get an upper level ticket and hang out on the main concourse.  There are plenty of players (current and retired) running around the concourse and taking pictures.  I had a lower level ticket, but when I went to the concourse to the concession stand, I saw "Big Baby" Davis, Gary Payton, etc. 

If you've never been to an NBA All-Star game and you're a music fan, you need to know that music is a large part of the weekend's festivities.  Josh Groban sang the national anthem.  Lenny Kravitz rocked out for the player intoductions.  Rihanna performed at half time with Drake and Kanye West.  Drake and Kanye were surprise guests.  People who had a ticket to the game, were treated to a mini-concert with these artists.  It was a special treat!

Enough about music, back to the game...

As for the game, the game was a good one.  Like I said, for most of the game, the West had a 15 point lead.  However, down the stretch the East (i.e. led by LeBron James) started to mount a comeback.  The final score was West 148, East 143.  For the East, both LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire dropped 29 points.  For the West, Kobe Bryant had 37 points and 14 boards.  Also for the winning team, Kevin Durant came up big with 34 points. 

Great game, great music, and great time!  Bring on Orlando...


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

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

The Lakers are the NBA Champions, and I argue with a Celtics fan after Game 7

This is a picture of my losing betting slip.  The Lakers are the new NBA Champions, as they defeated the Boston Celtics tonight by a margin of less than 7 points.

During the games, when I watch from home I usually am logged into my Twitter account, to further entertain myself and read other people's witty comments during the game.  I follow about 100 other people.  If you're sports-related and you make me laugh, chances are I follow you. 

I follow TheBigLead on Twitter, and towards the end of the game they tweeted:  Kobe makes 2 FTs. Boston misses, Fouls ... Lakers make 2 FTs? Maybe? #soyouresayingtheresachance

Now, being that I knew the spread I knew exactly what they were talking about!

Oh well, at least I cleaned up nicely at the craps table, to compensate for the bad bet.  At the end of the day, the missed free throws hurt me, but the craps table loved me so who cares! :-P

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Ever argue with a fan of a losing team?  It's pointless.  Friends shouldn't use another person's facebook pages to vent about their team's loss.  I didn't beat the Celtics.  I didn't play a single minute or score a single point.  I was at Game 6.  I'm an old school Lakers fan, even though I'm not a Kobe Bryant fan.  After what I saw in Game 6, and knowing that Perk probably wasn't going to play in Game 7, I thought the best bet was Lakers -7.  Turns out, I was wrong.  But ~ am I the one crying about my loss?  Nope.  Instead, I get this exchange ~ which is here for your reading pleasure.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but in this case it's worth about 40 comments!  ****  And yes, I edited the exchanges because one day my mom might read this blog!

Cry Baby: Yeah I'm glad u lost that bet. I hope u put a lot of money on it.

Me: hey, poor loser, are you blind? it's only 440, and i cleared $1100 with craps so who cares.

Cry Baby: Glad u lost.

Me: go cry on someone else's page

Cry Baby: Lemme guess, you're betting against Strasburg tomorrow too....

Cry Baby: Not on ur page, don't over-indulge yourself.

Cry Baby: Traitor

Me: yeah - you are. it's my pic.

Me: i'm an old school lakers fan, just anti-kobe ~ so play nice or get off my page

Cry Baby: Screw your $440. Glad you lost. You have nothing to show for it. You know you're not a Lakers fan.  You rooting for White Sox tomorrow too? I bet you are.

Me: i have tons of kareem stuff and magic posters in my bedroom (i.e. childhood bedroom and colllege dorm room). $440 is nothing (i.e. i'd won a lot more in vegas recently) - i don't care about it and that's why i bet it. go cry.  get a life and stay off my page. and yes, i would bc i don't care about the nats. i'd root for strasburg though.

Cry Baby: Cavs are dogsh*t. Swallow that.

Me: both aren't NBA champs this year, so it sounds about even to me. don't you have to work tomorrow. maybe you should get some sleep. no one here wants to see you cry

Cry Baby:  do you EVER work? 71 venues is indicative of a tough work schedule.

Me:  i never said i had a tough work schedule ~ don't hate me because my life is a hell of a lot easier than yours :-P

Cry Baby: You know what, nevermind. Go Lakers in your head. Your allegiance it commendable.

Me:  i grew up on the lakers. and became a CAVS fan bc of my ex-fiance and being that i'm from ohio. maybe one day you'd actually know what you're talking about and then who knows you could possibly be dangerous ~ not saying you need to read my blog, but if you can read - perhaps you should check it. i'm a lakers fan but anti-kobe, but last i checked he's only 1 player.

Cry Baby:  Dogshit

Me:  loser

Cry Baby: Traitor  Go White Sox huh?

Me: get a life, and sure - why not? i'm not from here.

Cry Baby:  In the end, Lakers are still 2nd best. Bite me.

Me:  tonight nobody cares...

Cry Baby: So The Wirk is all about the Lakers next year? Or whatever team LaBron goes to? Or a hybrid or either??? Or do you dare to follow the Cavs no matter what happens?

Me: everyone is a potential reader! next year is next year - read the blog and find out.

Cry Baby: Honestly, u shouldn't be slanted in any direction to be a reputable writer.

Me:  i can do whatever i want bc it's MINE ~ that's the beauty of it! and when you do anything remotely interesting that draws my attention, i'll be sure to give you some pointers on it too :)

Cry Baby: That's fine. I remember being remotely interesting when you posted me on your blog when the C's beat the Cavs this year. Congrats, your favorite team won the title this year!!!! Good for you!!!!!

Me: nice try - thewirk.com superfan, but you're obv keeping up bc you knew i hit 71 venues and even my mom doesn't know that. lmao!!! sooooo, thanks for your support and have fun at work tomorrow. i'm gonna hit orbitz since i have about $700 to play with and even though i lost, my life is still better than yours right now. keep on truckin' :-P

Cry Baby: Has nothing to do with my last statement. Now ur just saying ur cooler than I am. Sweet. I'll wake up tomorrow morning and beg to God I can be as cool as you some day.

Me: not sure when your boss wants you at work, but if you're gonna add prayer to your routine, you should go to bed soon. have a great night!

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My favorite Tweets from the game:

THEWIRK: now begins the slowest, most boring time of the year - the lull where there is only #baseball, and everyone holds their breath for #football


sportspickle Is Bill Russell getting so old he thinks he played for the Lakers?
---  Good to know that I wasn't the only one who thought it looked strange to see Bill Russell with all the Lakers.

THEWIRK: is it bad that i chuckled that ron ron thanked his psychiatrist... what a game though ~ he was stellar!
---  You have to give Ron Artest his props.  He played HUGE.

sportspickle: And Scalabrine is back in the game. Shelden Williams should probably retire now.

THEWIRK: my twitter feed has "brian #scalabrine" trending and not "justin #bieber"... the world is coming to an end!
---  Speechless.

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Now like, I tweeted we wait for football and enjoy the summer with baseball...  Take me out to the ball game!


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