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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are three pictures I took at the game.

Dwyane Wade with a dunk

 

Shaq hugs Wade

THE WIRK

Dirk or LeBron ~ Who needs an NBA championship more?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


THE WIRK

Game 2: Heat v Bulls tonight ~ Go Bulls! Beat the Heat!

On Sunday night, I went to the movies rather than watch Game 1 of the Miami Heat v Chicago Bulls series.  Part of it was poor planning on my part.  However, when I realized my "mistake" I decided I'd follow through on movie night as opposed to watch the game since I thought the game wouldn't be a good one and I wanted to catch up with my friend, Megan (aka Pita).

As soon as the movie, ended I ran home to check the score and watch the end of the game.  I landed in front of the TV with 8 minutes left in the game, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the score of the game.  The Bulls were up ~ BIG.  It was a beautiful sight! 

I sat perched in front of my TV in disbelief as the Bulls fought for rebounds and played extraordinary defense.  I also watched Taj Gibson deliver two major exclamation points when he put "up" (i.e. or is it "down") two massive dunks. 

The final score was 103-82.  The Bulls won.

Sure it was only Game 1, but it still counts.  The Bulls made quite a statement.  Tonight is Game 2, and of course Coach Erik Spoelstra will make adjustments.  I'm sure the Heat won't lie down tonight.  I've said it before, and I'll write it again.  I like Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and Dwyane Wade.  I just can't root for LeBron or Chris Bosh.

It should be a good one in Chicago...  Make no mistake.  I will not be at the movies...  I can't wait to see what Derrick Rose and his squad do tonight.

Oh, and for those of you that don't watch PTI, check out Michael Wilbon and this clip.  It's awesome! 




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

Review: The Lion King on Broadway ~ "Animation" comes to life on stage

Tuesday my mom came to visit and we headed up to New York to see The Lion King.  Her co-worker, Tessa, had/has been telling her that it's a good show and my mom decided she wanted to check it out.  A traveling production was headed to my home town in June, but since I had some time "off" I invited my mom to come see it on Broadway.

I'll admit right now.  I love Disney.  I liked The Lion King, but it's not one of my favorite movies.  I remember being at Disney World years ago and watching a show/performance about the Lion King and not liking it.  ****  At the amusement park, I found it difficult to believe that the people were animals, despite the costuming. 

Before the show started, my mom was looking through the playbill.  She asked me what "Hakuna Matata" meant.  I have a great memory for music and song lyrics, but I even impressed myself when I told her it meant "no worries".  Not too bad, considering the movie came out in 1994.  ****  WOW.  1994...

At the Minskoff Theatre, I had a different experience.  The lighting, costuming, and overall production helped my "suspension of disbelief".  Although they don't play a large part in the production, the giraffes were my favorite.

It's a very creative production with a talented cast.  Surprisingly, my mom hadn't even seen the animated movie, and she still enjoyed and followed the story.

Unless I'm forgetting something, it'd been maybe 7 years since I'd been on Broadway for a show.  I forgot how much I enjoy going to the theatre...  I think I'm going to have to do this more often!  ****  I catch traveling productions often, but there's nothing like being in New York.

Currently the actors are collecting donations for two charities after the show.  I wasn't really paying attention (i.e. since I had already moved to the next "step" and was trying to get out of the theatre to head towards my aunt and uncle's house to visit) but I know the actor said something about going back stage to see the costumes and sets (i.e. either if you were first to donate or if you donated).  Pay attention to what he says after the show regarding donations, if you're interested in going backstage, taking pictures with the cast, and seeing the sets.  I would've had we had time!

Oh, and for those of you that need a sports tie-in, here you go!  Here's a picture of LeBron as The Lyin' King.

THE WIRK

Cleveland's famous LeBron sign is now a Sherwin Williams' ad

Anyone remember the famous, iconic LeBron images that were featured on the downtown signage in Cleveland?

Well this was 2007 (i..e during the NBA Cleveland Cavaliers v San Antonio Spurs Finals).

2007 NBA Finals ~ Cavs v Spurs

This was the LeBron signage in 2010.

This is what the signage looks like now (i.e. 2011).  ****  It's a Sherwin Williams' ad.

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

Heat v Celtics on ABC right now

If you haven't turned your TV on to ABC right now, do it!  The Miami Heat are in Boston right now taking on the Celtics.  Big game...

I'm ready and suited up in my new LeBron Nope T-shirt.  It cost me $20.  If you want your own Celtics Life gear check out the store: http://www.celticslife.com/p/store.html

Right now the Heat are on top of the Eastern Conference, with the Celtics only a half of a game back.

FYI - I think Delonte West may play this game.  I think he's cleared to return.  Could be interesting...

Go Celtics!!!!


THE WIRK

Why am I angry that the Cavs are losing, when even they don't seem to care?

I've been putting off writing this post, because it's just too easy to write...  PLUS, as a girl from Ohio, I've been trying to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the nightmare that is going on in Cleveland...  HOWEVER, I'm in the mood to write so here goes.

For ANYONE to question Byron Scott's job security is ballsy and stupid at best.  As if anyone would want to coach a team of underachieving quitters that have now become a joke amongst the league and professional sports.  Writers of teams that are now experiencing success due to free agency, actually have the nerve to talk about "contraction".  How quickly they forget about the times when their own teams were in the cellar.

For many years the Cleveland Cavaliers were nothing to write home about.  During the mid 90s, I used to go to Richfield Coliseum and Gund Arena to watch the visiting teams come to town.  Sure, I liked Larry Nance, Brad Daugherty, Craig Ehlo, and Mark Price ~ but never did it occur to me to have any of them sign a pennant or pose for a picture.

When my ex signed his extension with Cleveland for 6 years and $70 million in the late 90s, I cried.  Those weren't tears of joy, people.  Those were tears because I COULD NOT believe he'd chosen to stay in Cleveland.  That we were going to stay in Cleveland.  I love Ohio.  Don't get me wrong, Cleveland sports haven't always been awful.  The Cavs were basically a .450-.500 team.  They weren't great, but they weren't good and I just happened to see them on local television enough to know that a championship would be a dream.

LeBron joining the Cavs in what looked like a "suspect" NBA draft lottery (i.e. ask me about it, and I'll tell you why things looked strange) gave me hope.  I know my ex was excited at what the team could accomplish.  Although he and I split up, I never gave up my allegiance to the Cavs.  I followed, supported, and believed.  I was a "witness".

Last summer, the core of the Cavaliers franchise took his talents to South Beach and my ex went with him.   Buddies.  You couldn't have scripted the story better.  I doubt either of them really looked back.

Cleveland now has a hodgepodge of pieces that are almost unbearable to watch.  They are supposed to be professionals, but I hear that they clown around during shoot around and pre-game warm-ups.  I only went to one game (i.e. LeBron's homecoming) and I was disgusted with the jawing from the bench.  Shut up and play.  I don't want to hear about injuries.  You are professional basketball players and you all don't have a "loser gene". 

The Cavs need to come out with intensity.  The guys have 2 arms and 2 legs and need to play.  If they want to quit, then they shouldn't even play.  Claim back spasms and sit on the damn bench.  Have some pride in yourself and play to win.

Byron Scott.  Wow.  I feel bad for him.  Yes, the man is paid millions, but how is he supposed to continue to deal with all the "losing"?  It has to be an awful feeling to be the only one who appears to care about competing.  I've been "blessed" to watch Kurt Rambis et al grow the talents of Michael Beasley and Kevin Love.  You mean to tell me that no one on the Cavs can improve?!?!  Where are Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison, and Boobie Gibson now?  When I think of Antawn, I can see his big smile.  That's great, except there's nothing to be smiling about.  Get angry.  Play with some intensity, for goodness sake.

I need flashcards or a program to name the people on that roster.  If I cared enough, I'd look it up.  I don't.  All I know is that this is a prime opportunity for someone on that team to take the lead as a player.  Am I supposed to buy that the entire cast of characters on the bench are a bunch of supporting actors and no one has the balls to lead?!?  No?!?!  Then why is that what they're selling me?

Although the world is laughing, there's nothing funny going on in Cleveland.  The Cavs should be ashamed of themselves.  Yes, LeBron left.  Deal with it.  Am I really to believe that this losing streak of a bajillion games was unpreventable?!?! 

Give me a break.  I can't believe I have to "Witness" this crap.


THE WIRK

NBA International players to cross the pond if lockout ~ I say, "No"

I've been reading a couple of headlines related to international players in the NBA (e.g. Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko) and the plans they're "considering" if there's an lockout next season.  Having survived a NBA lockout in 1998 with an international player who also entertained offers from other teams in Europe (i.e. if I remember correctly, I remember a team in Spain was interested), I'm willing to call the player's bluffs.  If these guys start looking for their passports, my bet is that they're going for pleasure and NOT business.

I remember the NBA lockout "vacation" that was had.  To say that everyone was unhappy would be a lie.  Players who were committed to conditioning and rehab still worked out.  They just might've been found working out at MLB facilities, local community centers, and health clubs, etc.  From what I could see, for those players not living paycheck to paycheck and who were smart with their money, life was just fine.  It was good time off.  Recently I asked a writer what he did during the last NBA lockout, and he said he was more or less on vacation also.  After such a busy offseason with everyone chasing LeBron to get the scoop on his "decision", maybe it wouldn't hurt to have some NBA rest...  Just a thought, but I digress...

Is Okur going to hop a plane to Europe, if there's a lockout?

Is AK-47 taking his ammo across the pond, if there's a lockout?

I'm not about to read up on Okur and Kirilenko's contracts, but I do feel as though they're solid in the NBA and have viable careers.  I have no idea what their making in terms of $$$, but I do feel like the risk of injury overseas is too great.  We're not just talking about international competition like the Olympics and FIBA World Championships.  We'd be talking about a "season" or partial season.

If you think I'm buying the story that these guys (i.e. and not specifically Okur and Kirilenko) or anyone with a viable NBA career are going to pack up and head overseas, you're fooling yourself.  You'd have better luck selling me season tickets to one of the bottom dwelling NBA squads that are always mentioned in the same breath as the word "contraction".

****  Actually now that I think about it, both stories about an international player heading across the pond are about players with the Utah Jazz...  Random, but I think pure coincidence, since the Jazz are having success at 26-13.  FYI, I took the pictures for this post back in April 2009.


THE WIRK

LeBron and NBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest ~ You say "torn" but I hear "scared"

It's almost February.  Ok, technically January just started...  Regardless, I like to plan ahead.

February has 2 things of note.  The Super Bowl and the NBA All-Star game and festivities.

As I start to think about February, I saw a headline that LeBron was contemplating entering the NBA Slam Dunk contest, but had concerns about the wear and tear on his body.

Are you serious?!?!  Now, I never counted how many dunks they perform during the event, and I'm not about to look it up ~ but you have to be kidding me.  Wear and tear?!?!  Dunks?!?!  ****  Yes, I'm sure it takes something out of you to dunk.  No, I've never dunked a basketball. 

I'll tell you this.  I'm smart enough to know that the actual NBA All-Star game will take more out of him than the dunk contest.  Further, as a competitor, I believe that if LeBron really thought he could win ~ he'd compete.  Can ESPN.com, please spare us the LeBron is torn on dunk contest article?!!?  In addition in that article, LeBron pointed out the obvious in saying that Blake Griffin would have "home court" advantage (i.e. the All-Star festivities are in Los Angeles this year). 

So, am I supposed to believe that if LeBron's dunk was really better that the judges would cave and give it the title the rookie?!?!

Come on, now...  This isn't my first rodeo.  Looks to me like LeBron's scared to lose... 

To quote, Lil Jon and The East Side Boyz, "Bia, Bia"...  Yeah, I said it.  No idea what I'm talking about?  Here you go.

Lastly,  I haven't looked to see if he's dunking this year or not, but Nate Robinson has won the past two years. **** I took this picture of Nate Robinson dunking, when I was in Dallas for NBA All-Star weekend 2010. You try focusing on him when he's in motion with a point and shoot camera...

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

I'd like to bump into Coach Spoelstra, but not like LeBron did ~ Wink, Wink

Dear Miami Heat players, please "shut up" and play. 

Dear Erik Spoelstra, if you get fired, come hang out with me.  By the way, LeBron body-checked you when he bumped into you.  I'm no genius, but I am a girl so I know "passive-aggressive" behavior (i.e. KIDDING, kind of, not really) when I see it.

For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about?  Here's a video I found on Youtube.



I'd like to bump into Spoelstra (i.e. but not like LeBron did)...  Haha.  Coach Spoelstra is a cutie!  See you guys on Thursday at the Quicken Loans Arena!


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

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

Cavaliers v Wizards tonight ~ It's just not the same this season...

I was looking at the schedules earlier today and noticed that the Cleveland Cavaliers are visiting the Washington Wizards tonight at the Verizon Center.  For a minute I thought about checking it out.  A minute...

This year is different.  Even though I'm an Ohio girl and I'm still a Cavs fan, I don't think I can bring myself to go to the game.  I took a look at the roster and can't get myself to get excited and sit in my "usual" seat behind the Cavs bench. 

Never going to have this view of LeBron in a Cavs jersey again

Actually, for this game, I'd almost be willing to reconnect with some folks that I knew from my days in Cleveland and are affiliated with the Wizards now...  BUT, I'm not going to do that either.  Not tonight.

As I look through all my albums with so many pictures of the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers, it's amazing how many of the people have moved on.  Most athletes are journey man.  They can be nomadic because of free agency.  They get traded, and/or eventually retire.  Look at the picture below from Game 6 of the Playoffs in 2008.  None of the guys in the picture play for the same organization now, that they did 2 years ago.

Oh, and if you think I'm going to get all dolled up and head to the Verizon Center to see Anderson Varejao, well...  You don't know me at all.  Sorry...  I have to be honest.  Ugh, that reminds me.  I need to find my "Got Boobie?" shirt.  I like Daniel "Boobie" Gibson and that T-shirt still makes me chuckle...

In a world with so much player mobility, it's no surprise to me that some teams have adopted a "generic" approach to promotion.  In Cleveland, where LeBron James' image was ubiquitous, I'm not surprised that there isn't a face associated with the organization anymore.

Here are some of the latest Cleveland Cavaliers banners adorning Quicken Loans Arena (i.e. photos courtesy of Dave Soulsby, President of Central Graphics Group):

The #10 on the jersey is generic

****I just checked to see if long-time radio announcer, Joe Tait, is traveling with the team after his cardiac surgery.  He's not.  If you haven't heard Joe Tait call a game, you're missing out.  He's truly a special talent.  Best wishes, Joe.  Get better soon. 

I will make it to the Quicken Loans Arena before the end of the year.  Save me a seat.  Wait...  Let me clarify.  Save me a good seat  :-P

The more I think about it, I might just scalp a quick ticket just to watch John Wall "Dougie" during the player introductions...  Who do I think  I am kidding?  I'm not going to go...  LOL.  Here's a clip if you have no idea what I'm talking about.

THE WIRK

Isiah Thomas dreaming of a return to the Knicks is my nightmare

So I eased into the day today and eventually checked the headlines on ESPN.com and noticed that there is a story about Isiah Thomas posted.  I haven't been a fan of Isiah Thomas for many, many years now for a multitude of reasons (e.g. allocation of minutes for a particular center in the Atlanta NBA All-Star game, destruction of the once highly respected New York Knicks, foolish bravado).  However, since my morning started off good, I thought I'd read the article.

Evidently, Isiah is "itching" for a return to the Knicks.  Fan-tas-tic...  ****  For those of you that don't know me that well, or can't hear my voice when you read my words, that's SARCASM.  Are you even kidding me?  He might be itching, but if he actually returns to the Knicks I might vomit or go into a rage like no other. 

Honestly, how self-unaware can an individual be?  How can he not realize what he did to that team?  Does he not recall all the "Fire Isiah" posters and the rallies, petitions from New York Knicks season ticket holders requesting refunds?  I will tell you right now, that I used to love the New York Knicks.  I was a huge Patrick Ewing fan.  In fact, the Georgetown Hoyas losing to Villanova Wildcats in 1985 still devastates me til this day.  I rooted for Ewing, Oakley, Starks, Mason, and yes even Charles Smith (i.e. until he missed those bunny shots) for YEARS.  Despite my dad telling me that the New York Knicks would never win me an NBA Championship, I stood by that team when Reggie Miller made the choking signs Jordan went "Jordan" on them.

Isiah's reign at Madison Square Garden is something I'd like to forget.  In my quest to make it to every professional sporting venue for basketball, baseball, and football ~ would you believe I have yet to make it to a New York Knicks home game?  I've seen the Big East semifinals and a New York Rangers game, but I have yet to watch my once beloved Knicks.  I can't bring myself to do it, and New York is close enough where I can make a day trip out of it. 

I really should check the Knicks' schedule now that Amare Stoudemire is on the squad and the season looks to have more promise....  ****  OK, I just checked the schedule and it looks like the Washington Wizards are visiting the Knicks tonight ~ but there's no way that I can make it to the game in time, with the travel that would need to occur.  Yeah, that's just how my life works sometimes ~ but I'm fine with it, since I'm not really a Wizards fan.  I just need to check out John Wall eventually this year...  It's a long season.   I need to pace myself.

Back to Isiah and his delusions.  Am I really supposed to believe that if Isiah was the president of the Knicks that LeBron James and maybe Dwyane Wade would be wearing New York Knicks jerseys?!?!  Seriously?!?!  Really?!?!  Come on, now.  It's no secret how I feel about LeBron taking his talents to South Beach, and I don't want to start fighting a bunch of New Yorkers who believe that the New York is the greatest place on Earth to play sports ~ but of all things that factored in free agency this year, I doubt that the lack of Isiah Thomas' leadership played a factor.  I'd bet on it.

I don't know what kind of power Isiah Thomas has over James Dolan, but it's sickening.  The fact that Dolan appears to have a short-term memory with regard to Isiah's performance and still tried to bring him on as a consultant is bewildering to say THE LEAST.  It's almost like a co-dependent, abusive boyfriend-girlfriend relationship where both parties kick the crap out of each other, but never officially end things because they're too connected.  It's CRAZY. 

Even if Isiah has basketball merit, the man already cost the organization millions of dollars in a sexual harassment case.  I mean, come on....  What else is left for him to do?  Oh, that's right ~ he's the missing link in the Knicks recruitment of top NBA talent and the reason why the LeBron is LeGone...

Give me a break.


THE WIRK

Sports: Athletes and houses ~ free agency, trades, and real estate

It's been a rough day...  I woke up this morning after having a nightmare that my parents bought the house I used to live in, when I was engaged a million (ok, so it wasn't really a million) years ago.  The house is the one he and I picked out when we were dating.  He actually proposed to me in the backyard on the deck by the water. 

The house is also the same house where he and his current wife (i.e. who I used to hang out with and was once engaged to his former teammate) resided once I left town and they coupled up.  But, that's all neither here nor there for the purposes of this blog...

Needless to say, I was bothered by the nightmare.  I woke up angry.  Later in the day, I decided to Google my old address and wouldn't you know that house is for sale?  Actually, it was listed 10 days ago!  Scary coincidence... 

I've always been someone who can sense when there's a problem or when something is happening.  I get a feeling about people and things and most of the time I'm right.  Obviously, I'm not batting a thousand or I'd be wealthier and more successful in my professional and personal relationships ~ but I've learned not to ignore my gut feelings.

The owner of the house has always said that Cleveland will always be "home".  He was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1996 (i.e. 1st round, 20th pick).  Based on the effort to sell this house, all signs point to that not being the case.  I can't speculate on what I don't know, so I'm not going to say for sure that he hasn't purchased another home in Ohio.  I don't really care.  Obviously this won't garner as much attention as LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland, but for someone like me, I have to say I'm a bit surprised. 

I looked through the pictures on the house listing and am surprised to see so few changes in the house that I once called "home".  Of course, the woman that "replaced" me tried to renovate it and make it hers (e.g, redoing the kitchen, expanding the terrible closet space), but at the end of the day ~ that's still the house that he and I picked out for our life together and the house that she moved into AFTER I left. 

Admittedly, I wanted the house in Gates Mills, but he always wanted to live on the water.  ****  I conceded since he was only my boyfriend at the time and life was hard enough with him injured and on crutches.  When we were house-hunting it was my job to climb stairs or descend downstairs to check ceiling heights to make sure that a 7 footer could stand upright without hitting his head.

That reminds me.  One of the coolest basements I'd ever seen was John Hart's.  He's the former General Manager of the Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers.  Damnit, ironically I just read his wikipedia page and it says that he currently serves as senior adviser, baseball operations, for the Rangers. Ugh, I was just in Texas for the World Series!!!!  Anyway, John Hart had one of the best collections of baseball memorabilia I'd ever seen.  Baseball posters, stadium seats, signed baseballs and bats. It was awesome.  I remember walking down there and calling up the stairs to my guy, "You really need to come down here!" and watching him precariously negotiate the stairs and low-ceilings on his crutches.

It's not uncommon for athletes to sell or rent their homes to other athletes.  Free agency, trades, seasonal work, and retirement are part of the business of sports.  I watched MTV Cribs before and saw Shaquille O'Neal's Miami house.  It used to be Rony Seikaly's and Shaq put his Superman touches on it.  I remember Shaq and Shaunie remarking that it was nice to move into Rony's house because things were built/customized for a taller man (e.g. door heights). 

Here's one for you...  In the master bathroom the sinks were higher than your average sinks, to make it easier for him to wash his hands.  Um, that's fantastic.  What about people who have normal heights?  Do you know how gross and annoying it is to have water drip down your arm onto your sleeves?  I wonder if the toilet in the master bathroom of my old house is still raised.  It was elevated to the point that Danny Ferry once gave me a "step stool" as a joke for Christmas, since he was concerned my feet would dangle.  I never used it, but I still have the stool.

When a veteran Cleveland Cavalier moved out of his home after being traded, Damon Jones a "new Cleveland Cavalier" (i.e. at the time) moved right in.  That house was featured on an episode of MTV Cribs.  Seriously?!?!  I've been in that house many times (i.e. numerous parties, dinners, and random nights).  It's not that extraordinary.  I can't find the episode anymore. I can only find the unaired clip.  See for yourself with the following link.  Never Been Seen: Damon Jones: "Damon Jones lets us look behind his fully stocked bar, and gives us a spin in the chair in his private barber salon."

When I get around to it, I might post some pics of the house from back in the day or I might not, since it doesn't really matter.  I'm debating on whether or not I even want to post a link the listing, and at this time I'm deciding against it. I don't need/want my former address published. 

Mi "old" casa, es su casa ~ for almost $2 million.  The stories I could tell ~ priceless...


THE WIRK