Yankees defeat the Nats in the 1st game of a 3 game series

I know this blog has been quiet lately, because I've been in and out of the country.  Now that I'm "back", lately I've been focusing more on baseball than basketball since I can't stand the thought of the LeBron James and the Miami Heat winning the 2012 NBA Championship...  Come on Oklahoma City Thunder!!!

OK, enough of that.  Back to the point of this post.

Did you know that the New York Yankees hadn't played the Washington Nationals in DC since June 2006?!?!  Those games were played at RFK Stadium.  No wonder people were buzzing...

I have a lot of friends in the DC area who are Yankees' fans and this series was all they could talk about.  When I was playing on the Nationals' ticketing website, I spotted a pair of good seats behind home plate slightly towards the 3rd base line...  Who doesn't want to be closer to A-Rod?!!?  Let's be real.  Alex Rodriguez is much better looking than Derek Jeter.  Needless to say, I grabbed the seats as fast as I could and called my Jetah-loving friend, Teri, to let her know we were golden!

I went to the game, thinking that the Nats would play better than they did.  I was also excited to finally see Bryce Harper play.  Unfortunately, I can't remember him doing anything memorable at the game...

The AL East leading New York Yankees came to DC and beat the NL East Washington Nationals by a score of 7-2 on Friday night, and I was hooked.  After the game I went straight to the ticket window and picked up a ticket in the PNC Diamond Club for Saturday's afternoon game.  ****  If you haven't been to the Diamond Club yet, I think you should go.  It's a great place to watch a game and reasonably priced if you go there hungry and thirsty! 

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Thunder v Grizzlies, Game 6 is a good one ~ Hope you're watching

If you're a basketball fan you should be watching the Vancouver Grizzlies v Seattle Supersonics game.  OK, it's really the Memphis Grizzlies v Oklahoma City Thunder game, but if you're a basketball fan, you should understand the joke.  It's been a great game so far with Russell Westbrook playing the way I like to watch him.  Westbrook is slashing to the basket and making plays. 

Personally I hope the Thunder pull out the win.  You can see why.  OKC's foul trouble might become an issue, but time will tell...

Thunder Up!

Update:  I think this is the 2nd time the Thunder have managed to choke away a lead.  What a terrible 2nd half offensive showing.  Rough night all around for Kevin Durant, and Westbrook started his old routine again.  No idea what the issue is and what's changed from the regular season, but I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm crazy if they can hear me yelling. 

Thanks a lot, Thunder.  You took a nibble out of my winnings!

I wonder if I can make it Oklahoma City on Sunday...


THE WIRK

Dear Russell Westbrook: Stop sabotaging the Thunder

I'm trying to update my blog since I've been traveling, but I just want to know one thing.

Why does Russell Westbrook think he's the star of the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Kevin Durant needs to grab Westbrook and DEMAND the final shot.  This is getting ridiculous.  NOW, Thunder fans need to grind out overtime with the team against the Memphis Grizzlies.  Terrible.

I like Westbrook, but this is getting crazy.

I'm convinced that this series just might kill my friend, Ricky...  ****  This is a picture he sent me from one of the playoff games in Oklahoma City. 

Update:  I just received a text from Ricky, who is in Memphis and it read, "Win or lose, best game ever attended".

Update:  Whew!  Let's not do that again. #Thunder defeat the #Grizzlies 133-123 after 3 overtimes.  #Thunderup

THE WIRK

Thunder take a 3-0 lead over the Nuggets ~ My 1st visit to the Pepsi Center

I finally made it to the Pepsi Center for Game 3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder v Denver Knicks game (i.e. just kidding!!!).  Actually, it's the Denver Nuggets.  I couldn't resist making the joke. 

I arrived at the Pepsi Center early and decided just to park close to the arena for $15. As I waited with other NBA fans til about 6:45PM to get into the building for an 8PM start, the smell of buttered popcorn wafted outside.  Yes, I was sold.  I bought popcorn the minute I walked in.  A girl has to eat, right?

Sporting my new Nuggets hat (i.e. less than $20 from the team store) I went to my seat.  Everyone in the arena had a light blue Nuggets rally towel waiting for them on his/her seat.  Nice.  I save those towels and use them as kitchen towels.

As I watched the pre-game shoot around and warm-ups, I watched J.R. Smith and his teammates shoot trick shots.  Smith's final shot was a full court heave towards the basket and it went IN.  Ending on a high note, Smith ran into the tunnel to get ready for the game.  ****  Who knew this would foreshadow the outcome of the evening's game?

As the pregame festivities went on, I was reminded that the cartoon, South Park, is set in Colorado by Cartman on the jumbotron.  Too funny!

Nuggets fans are passionate about their team.  They cheered as the Nuggets battled the Thunder, but there were a good number of Thunder fans present at the game.  It was good to see all the Nuggets old school jerseys and T-shirts with "English" on the back.  ****  I met NBA Legend, Alex English, a couple of years ago during the All-Star break, and he was a nice guy.

Whenever I looked at the scoreboard it always seemed as though Kevin Durant and the Thunder were up about 6-8 points.  Whenever I looked towards the court, it seemed like either Russell Westbrook or Kevin Durant was talking to a ref and complaining.  I like Durant and Westbrook, but nobody likes a whiner.  Sorry.  I call it like I see it.  Maybe that's why BOTH Durant and Westbrook were called for technical fouls. 

Regardless, the game was a little chippy and there was a good degree of physicality during the game.  However, physical basketball and a good degree of banging on the court is to be expected ~ especially during the NBA playoffs.

Nuggets fans (i.e. sitting near me in the lower bowl) were convinced the Denver was going to nab Game 3.  Unfortunately, for them, this wasn't the case.  I disagree with the 4 guys in their 20s who were sitting in front of me.  I don't believe that you can blame the Nuggets' defeat on the George Karl's rotation.  I believe that you can attribute the loss to the lack of effectiveness from Al Harrington, Raymond Felton, and anyone else who didn't grab an offensive rebound.

As the Nuggets fought back to close the Thunder lead, the fans at the Pepsi Center were on their feet.  With about 40 seconds left in the game, and the Thunder up about 6-8 points, some Nuggets "unfaithful" started to exit the building.  I find it ironic that the girl behind me (i.e. who looked like she was in her mid-20s) was the one who said, "I don't know why everyone is leaving.  40 seconds is a lot time in the NBA."  THAT is a girl who knows her stuff.

Final thought: The Nuggets fought back and cut the lead to 3 in the final seconds of the game.  The refs should've called the foul against the Thunder, as J.R. Smith took his final 3-point shot in the closing seconds of the game.  A foul is a foul, REGARDLESS of when it occurs during a game.  Nuggets' fans seemed to agree with me, since the "Boos" were very loud and lasted for a few seconds when the game ended.

Smith deserved to shoot 3 free throws.  He was fouled.

The Nuggets had balanced scoring with numerous high scorers with 15 points.  Scott Brooks' Thunder squad is definitely gelling and Serge Ibaka was the player that really stepped up his game for the night.  Durant led the Thunder with 26.  Westbrook contributed 23, and Ibaka added 22. 

Final score 97-94.  The Thunder won.

Great all-around game for the Thunder!  It goes without saying that the Nuggets have their work cut out for them for Game 4, which is tonight at 10:30PM ET.

THE WIRK

Weekend: Braves v Giants, Thunder v Nuggets, and Denver Aquarium ~ Posts to come

It's been a busy couple of days and now it's Sunday and there are more games on.  As I watch the Celtics work the Knicks on TV, I'm editing my pictures from the Atlanta Braves v San Francisco Giants game.  I'm also going through my trip to the Denver Aquarium yesterday and Game 3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder v Denver Nuggets series.  Yes, I finally made it to the Pepsi Center.

I plan to get these posts out tonight or by tomorrow night, so please check back.  In the mean time, I'm tweeting at TheWirk.

Enjoy!

THE WIRK

The NBA playoffs are underway, and there are still arenas left to hit

NBA fans everywhere are enjoying the 1st round of the playoffs, and I'm more or less grounded this week.  Even though I'm not available to fly, I'm still following the action. Taking a look at the 1st round match-ups (i.e. with an eye out for venues I haven't been to), here are the teams that I will focus on this post-season.

1. Memphis Grizzlies
2. Denver Nuggets
3. New Orleans Hornets
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
5. Orlando Magic

**** I'm actually locked and loaded for a Denver Nuggets game, so there really should only be 4 teams on this list.

I won't be able to travel as freely until the 2nd round of the playoffs. Further, as much as I like to root for the underdogs, Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Hornets will probably be eliminated in the 1st round.  I guess this means that I'm rooting for the Thunder and the Magic (i.e. which is just fine because I like Kevin Durant and hear great things about the Magic's new arena). It doesn't hurt that I love Disney and Mickey Mouse as well.

Thunder Up! Go Magic!


THE WIRK

2008 NCAA Final Four ~ UCLA (Love and Westbrook) v Memphis (Rose)

I was catching up with someone about the NBA and the NCAA Tournament, and my friend mentioned my trip to the Final Four in 2008.  Honestly I hadn't thought about 2008 since 2008, but my friend had an interesting revelation.   When I was in San Antonio for the Final Four I watched the UCLA Bruins play the Memphis Tigers.  What does that mean?  It means, that I saw UCLA's Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love go up against Memphis' Derrick Rose.

Wow.  Immediately, I went through my pictures to see if I had any gems.  This is what I found.

The opening tip: UCLA Bruins v Memphis Tigers

 

Derrick Rose (#23) going against Kevin Love (#42)



Oh and for those of you that don't remember, Memphis defeated UCLA in that game (i.e. with a final score of 78-63).  Further, Kevin Love did not have a double-double in that game.

Kevin Love finished his road to an NCAA Championship with 12 points and 9 rebounds, but Russell Westbrook was the high scorer of the two (i.e. in this Final Four game) with 22 points.

Derrick Rose ended his college career with 25 and 9 rebounds.

Here's a shot of the scoreboard at the end of the game.

UCLA's road did end here

Now let's time travel to "present day":

Love's accomplishments in the NBA have been well documented as he plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Michael Beasley.

Russell Westbrook and his teammate, Kevin Durant, are a tremendous duo for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Derrick Rose has been amazing for the new-look Chicago Bulls, and he has his name in the hat for the NBA's MVP award this season.  Incidentally, the Bulls took the top spot in the East (i.e. over the Boston Celtics) after last night's victory over the Washington Wizards.

I'm telling you, if you've never been to the tournament, GO!!!!

THE WIRK

Sports Illustrated's NBA Preview issue features the Thunder, but not Westbrook

I've been carrying the Sports Illustrated NBA Preview issue around with my laptop since before the season started...  Anyone who knows me knows my laptop goes with me everywhere. 

Call me Linus and consider that issue to be my blanket, even though I still haven't opened the magazine.  Actually, I just noticed that Russell Westbrook isn't even on the cover... Crazy!  Of course Kevin Durant is featured, but behind him are pictures of Thabo Sefolosha and Nenad Krstic.  I'm not about to dog either of their games, but based on what I've seen watching the Oklahoma City Thunder, I haven't really been impressed with Krstic.

Seem like a huge oversight to me, and I bet whoever was in charge of the cover, would like to redesign it now...


THE WIRK

Vegas with PDX and crew

I'm back.  I just needed to get away, for the weekend and REST.  I'm not sure how much rest I really had, but at least I tried to sleep.

Some quick bullets (i.e. just some highlights) from my trip to Vegas...

Table Games:

• I don't like craps dealers with attitude problems and who have the nerve to assume you're not going to tip as you leave the table.  As I leave the craps table, I will flip you my change (i.e. dollar chips).  Don't have your fellow dealers remind me about your level of service.  That's LAME.
• If the table karma changes or you get a bad vibe, leave.  Don't try to be a hero.  No one will remember if you turned your luck around and left with a +200 profit.  Just go.  Don't chase your money if you're losing.
• I believe in dealer signature at the roulette table. People think it's fake. I think it's true. You believe what you want, I'll believe what I want.

Sportsbook:

• Betting on the Ivy League and Atlantic-10 is profitable...  They're not the popular choices, but they pay since they're usually "consistent".
• I took the Miami Heat to cover over the Oklahoma City Thunder.  Miami had both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James playing.  The Thunder had played overtime (i.e. double overtime in its most recent game) in its last two games.   I was betting Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook would run out of gas.  They did.
• The Duke Blue Devils got crushed by St. John's University.  I got greedy and had the Blue Devils parlayed with my Heat bet, so it was a loser.
• I parlayed the money lines for 6 teams.  I picked the favorites for only $35, since I had extra chips.  It was my first time betting a 6 teamer, and it won!
• I broke my tennis curse, when I picked Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open.
• I placed my Super Bowl XLV bet.  I'm not telling you who I picked, for now.  I'll give you my prediction later.

I spend a lot of time in sportsbooks and there's something really annoying about the men in there, taking notes and never betting.  I understand some research needs to be done to pick some winners, but seriously ~ man up.  One last thing, if you're sleeping in a sportsbook, you're a loser.  Get a hotel room or go home.

Friends:

The best part of the weekend was getting to hang out with PDX and the rest of my March Madness crew!  Here's one for you.  I met a new member of his crew that had never played the card game "War" before.  Really?  I grew up playing war with my brother and the neighbor kids...  Who hasn't played war?

Weather:

Although it's not yet warm enough to throw on a bikini and hit the pool, it didn't hurt that I woke up to palm trees and sunshine as opposed to snow on the ground and freezing temperatures.

I picked up my tickets for the Shane Mosley v Manny Pacquiao fight today.  The fight is on Saturday, May 7th, in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  I have extra tickets for sale.  If you're interested in my ticket inventory, get in touch.

The best compliment I received this weekend, "...you bring us luck."  You might think that's lame, but I hear a lot of things, and honestly that was AWESOME.

THE WIRK

Thunder defeat the Timberwolves ~ Durant sets career high 47 points and 18 rebounds

Tonight was a good night to be in Minneapolis.  Coach Scott Brooks brought his Oklahoma City Thunder to the Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.  I feel like the Thunder are in town every month.  I know that's not the case, but it feels like I just saw them here.

Regardless tonight's match-up went into overtime and Kevin Durant blew up for a million points and a thousand rebounds.  Ok.  So he didn't really have a million points and a thousand rebounds, but it felt like he did.  Durant ended the game with 47 points and 18 rebounds.  That's not a typo.  He had 47 points and 18 boards.

Jeff Green was the 2nd leading scorer for the Thunder.  He dropped 19 points and contributed 8 rebounds.

During the 1st half of the game Russell Westbrook had a monster one-handed dunk that I would've taken a picture of to post here, had I not been looking at my in-seat menu.  Seriously?!?!?  When am I ever going to learn not to turn my camera off and to pay attention ~ especially when high-flying athletic players like Westbrook are on the floor.

For the Minnesota Timberwolves, the dynamic duo of Michael Beasley and Kevin Love came ready to play.  Beasley had 30 and 9.  Love had 31 and 21.  Love is a tough.  During overtime he hit the floor and everyone at the Target Center held their breath, until he got up off the floor.  He hit the deck right in front of me and I swear I heard it.  Ouch.

I told the guy next to me that the Timberwolves would lose.  I don't mean to dog the team, but the guys are just too young and/or inexperienced to close close games out.  It's sad, but true.  This game was winnable for the young Timberwolves, but the Thunder rocked the Target Center to win, ultimately with a score of 118-117. 

This picture of the Thunder reminded me of Reservoir Dogs

Kevin Durant blew up in a career game (i.e. that went into overtime), during my final night in Minneapolis.  I'd say we both went out with a bang.  Thunder Up!

Oh and check this guy out.  Would you let an NBA mascot cut your hair for a Klondike bar?!?!!  Hell no.... 

**** Last, but not least, just in case the assistant coach I met in the hotel concierge lounge before the game reads this post, I should point out that I was right.  Wes Johnson plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.  This is a picture of him in the air going for a lay-up.

THE WIRK

Thunder defeat the Magic ~ Westbrook's triple double

The Thunder have me wanting to do something I've never done before...  I'm seriously thinking about going to Oklahoma City.  I've seen the Thunder on the road many times, and they're exciting to watch.  I have yet to see them play at home though.

Russell Westbrook had a triple double tonight (i.e. 32 points, 13 assists, and 10 boards).  I know Kevin Durant gets a lot of much deserved attention (i.e. 36 points tonight), but for those of you that aren't paying attention to Westbrook ~ get your head out of the sand and open your eyes!

Westbrook is tough, and the 1-2 punch of Durant and him is lethal.  Don't believe me?  Ask the Orlando Magic who lost tonight.  Final score of the game was 125-124.  The game was HOT. 

Dwight Howard had 39 points and 18 rebounds, and Orlando erupted in the 4th quarter.  However, the Thunder held on.


THE WIRK

Mavericks fans ~ Take time out to pray for Dirk Nowitzki's knee

Dirk Nowitzki left last night's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a sore right knee.  The Mavericks defeated the Thunder, 103-93. 

Dirk had an MRI scheduled for this morning.  I haven't seen/heard the results of the MRI yet...

Let's hope for his and the Dallas Maverick's sake that it's nothing serious (i.e. or even nothing at all).  The Mavericks have the best road record (i.e. 11-1), and Dirk has once again been putting up All-Star numbers (i.e. about 24 points and 7 rebounds a game ~ almost a double-double).

It's no secret, he's become one of my favorites this season, and it's also no secret that the West is stacked.  Therefore, if the Mavericks are going to contend against the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs during this long NBA season, his team "knee'ds him to stay healthy.  ****  Yes, "knee'ds" is corny, but I like it.


THE WIRK

Durant and Westbrook lead Thunder past the Timberwolves ~ Thunder Up

The only thing I was looking forward to this week, turned out to be everything I wanted to see.  I'm in Minneapolis and the Oklahoma City Thunder were in town to play the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at the Target Center.  I wanted to watch the duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Don't get me wrong.  I wanted a close game so all the starters would play the whole time.  Further, I've caught the Timberwolves' front court in person before, and Michael Beasley and Kevin Love do not disappoint.  Tonight Corey Brewer came up big also.  The Timberwolves came out hot, and that was exciting for the home crowd to see.

I'm a Kevin Durant fan.  I like that he's humble, young, and a hard worker.  He's also got a lot of per-son-al-i-ty, which is evident if you keep up with him on Twitter and/or Facebook.  KD's neighbor, Matthias Murphy (Twitter: kd35sneighbor), also shares his experiences with KD through Tweets and videos.  If you're not following him/them and you like to laugh ~ you're only hurting yourself.  If you want to check out some of the videos, check out his Youtube channel.  The link to it is in the right hand column for your convenience.

Anyway, back to the game... 

It looked like someone got a hold of KD's arm during the game, because I saw him holding his elbow and telling the ref about it.  At times he also looked like he was wincing in a little pain.

Scott Brooks' Thunder never led the game until the 4th Q, when Durant hit a free throw to finish a 3-point play (i.e. to put them in the lead, with a score of 87-86).

Like I said, the Timberwolves came out hot, but KD finally got into his rhythm and dropped 30 points.  Russell Westbrook caught fire also and scored 25 to follow the charge.  With about 2 minutes left in the game, the BLIND REFEREE gave KD his 6th foul and that was the end of the night for him.  KD was no where near Corey Brewer when the foul was called.  The foul should've been given to Serge Ibaka. 

Regardless, great game.  Just what this girl needed to kill the monotony of the week... 

Final score of the game was 111-103.  The Thunder win (i.e. and cover, since the line was OKC -5.5).  Thunder Up!


THE WIRK

Lakers defeat the Thunder, and I recall my trip to Seattle years ago

When I was younger, I used to be a huge Lakers fan.  My dad told me that he'd take me to the Forum to see my team play.  My dad usually keeps his promises, so we won't hold it against him ~ but needless to say I never made it to the Forum.

I've already been to the Staples Center for a Lakers game.  I went during the playoffs last year when the Lakers were taking on the Jazz.  I had had a good run in Vegas, where I was spending a few days on vacation with my cousin's wife.  I remembered that the Lakers were playing that night, so when I woke up, I planned out our trip.  We rented a car and drove from Vegas to LA for the game.  ****Technically I need to go back for a LA Clippers game, in order to really cross the venue off of the list for basketball, but that's a whole other story.

Enough history.  The real question is: Did you see the Oklahoma City Thunder v LA Lakers game tonight?  It was Game 2, and now the Lakers are up 2-0.  For those of you who care about numbers, the final score was 95-92. 

In between planning my trip to Portland and trading messages with my friend out in Phoenix, I watched the game on TV.  Wow.  What a fight the Thunder put up!  It was a close game, and because of it, I think this loss may hurt the Thunder more.  I can't be alone by feeling this, but towards the end of the game I found the OKC Thunder's shot selection to be strange and the missed Laker free throws to be frustrating.  The Lakers never really shut the Thunder out of the game, and even though the Thunder had the lead at various points they were never really able to pull ahead convincingly.

Earlier tonight, my friend predicted that Kobe Bryant would score 40.  He actually ended with 39, and Kevin Durant ended with 32.  The Lakers are the Lakers, and I don't need to characterize them because they're pretty well-defined.  The Thunder need a few words, as they continue to gain respect and create an identity. 

On the concouse in Atlanta, the Thunder aren't even represented.

They are coached by Scott Brooks, who I met briefly during this year's NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas.  For those of you that like trivia, interestingly enough, he used to be roommates with Zydrunas Ilgauskas during the 1997-1998 season, in Cleveland.  Coach Brooks seems like a solid man ~ very humble, no ego. 

****  Updated, 4/21/2010: Congratulations to Coach Scott Brooks, NBA Coach of the Year.

Kevin Durant is such a great talent.  The Thunder are long, they're young, and exciting to watch.  There's definitely room for growth.  I like them, and that's strange for me to say since I never get to see them play on TV.  Honestly, I think Game 1 might have been the first time I've seen the Thunder on TV.  I know I've seen them play as a visiting squad at least once or twice.  Let's be honest, after a while all of these games blend in my brain...

I'm very curious to see how the Thunder respond on their home court.

Game 3 is on Thursday at 9:30.
 
****  I just got a comment sent to me about the Thunder being the former Seattle Supersonics. Needless to say it came from a friend of mine from high school, who lives in Seattle now.  I spent a weekend in Seattle once. I don't remember the year, but in that weekend, I went to the NFC Wildcard game (St. Louis Rams v Seattle Seahawks @ Qwest) and caught the Sonics v Heat game at the Key Arena. All I need to do is hit a Mariners game, and I can cross that city off of the list too!
 

NFC Wildcard game: Rams 27, Seahawks 20

@ Qwest Field

Heat v Sonics @ Key Bank Arena

Seattle Sonics won!

 
 
THE WIRK

Hawks defeat the Raptors ~ Great win! Thank you Coach Woodson and Jamal Crawford

The plan all along was to hit the Raptors v Hawks game on Friday.  Earlier in the day I called the Hawks and left Coach Woodson a voicemail to wish him well and let him know I was in town.  I remember Coach from his days in Cleveland (i.e. where he served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers).  He is a class act, and I believe he truly cares about his players.  To my surprise, later in the afternoon he phoned me back and before you knew it, I had my tickets in motion.  Thank you, Coach.

**** I always call my friends in the league to let them know if I'm coming to town. We all move around so much, that I value staying connected.

I have good friends ~ Thank you

It's good to be back

Got to the seats in time for the opening tip

Game on

Obligatory shot of the banners hanging

The playoff race in the East is a tight one.  Just a minute ago, I saw/heard a bit on TV about the race for the 8th playoff spot.  Currently, both the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls are battling for the 8th spot.  I think NBA TV is referring to it as "The Race for 8".  Coincidentally both teams lost tonight.  ****The Bulls lost to the Nets in D-OT tonight.  Chris Bosh is out for the rest of the regular season after suffering severe facial injuries, so needless to say the "Bosh-less" Raptors were in Atlanta to play a fully-loaded, Hawks team.  Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, and Jamal Crawford were definitely ready for action.  Yep, Joe Johnson was back ~ but the story of the game is Jamal Crawford.

Jamal Crawford played an all-around great game!  He logged 25 points and his 27th career 4 point play (i.e. a new NBA record).  Subsequently, the Hawks captured the victory ~ their 50th win this season (i.e. a feat that hasn't occurred since the 1997-1998 season). 

A new NBA record

Hawks defeat the Raptors, 107-101 ~ Now You Know

After the game, I was able to personally congratulate Jamal Crawford on his strong performance and new NBA record.  He seemed sincerely thankful for the kind words.  The humility he projected is rare in the league, especially for veteran players, so it's worth mentioning.

With the star of the game, Jamal Crawford

Thank you, Coach ~ Great win!

The Hawks are away for their next game and take on the Wizards, Saturday at the Verizon Center.  Ironically, Chicago visits the Air Canada Centre on Sunday night.

Aside from singing Jamal Crawford's praises, here are some other thoughts from the night:

• Why is a Seattle Supersonics banner still hanging?  OR maybe the better question is, why aren't the Oklahoma City Thunder represented?

WWKDD?

• My seats were on the hospitality suites side of the arena.  Since I was starving, my friend and I decided to complete a mini "Taste of Philips Arena". 
• Get the Fireside Chicken Nachos, if you have the chance.  They're well worth the $10.25.

• The sushi at the arena is good also.  I think it comes from Goldfish (i.e. the restaurant near Perimeter Mall)
• I know Spike Lee is a NBA fan, but why was he at the game?  Is he working on a project in Atlanta?  I'm curious, since the last time I saw Spike Lee was at the W's Ghostbar during NBA All-Star weekend, in Dallas and generally only expect to see Spike at The Garden.

After the game, Spike Lee exited the tunnel and left the building

Big day tomorrow, as I have to wake up early and head to Augusta.  There's some golf tournament out there that I want to check out  (i.e.  wink wink), so that's all I have for now. 

THE WIRK