NBA All-Star Saturday Night ~ Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk

Thanks to my friend, Teri, I scored a ticket to NBA All-Star Saturday night.  This is not an easy ticket.  When I stopped at VIP Tickets to see what they had in terms of inventory on my way back to the hotel, and they only had upper-level tickets left. They were selling them at face value.  I think that face value was $300-$315, I'm not really sure.  I don't sit in the upper-level so I never saw the ticket price.

I got a text that my ticket was waiting for me at Will Call and walked to the Staples Center.  I arrived just in time for the Skills Challenge.  Perfect timing.  Stephon Curry won the Skills Challenge, but here's a good one of Derrick Rose competing.

Cee Lo Green rocked green, performed his hit, and then found his seat for the 3-Point Contest. 

Cee Lo Green talking to Spike Lee on the way to his seat

After Cee Lo's performance, it was time for the 3-Point Contest.  Paul Pierce was the two-time champion and is from California, but since he's a Celtic the crowd booed him.  Ray Allen, who surpassed Reggie Miller as the 3-point king, also competed in the contest.  Surprisingly, out of the pack, the Miami Heat's James Jones ended up winning.  While Kevin Garnett and rooted on his teammates, Dwyane Wade (i.e. and his son) cheered Jones on from the front row.



Far East Movement performed after the 3-Point Contest.

Last but not least, was the highly-anticipated Slam Dunk Contest.  The favorite to win was Blake Griffin, but JaVale McGee and DeMar DeRozan weren't about to lie down and die.  Javale McGee dunked 3 balls at once.  He also brought out another hoop to dunk two balls at the "same" time.  Ultimately, Blake Griffin won and his final dunk was the one where he jumped over the front of a car with a gospel choir singing, "I Believe I can Fly".  Wild Stuff!

If you want to see the highlights, I'm sure you can Google for them.  I may try to upload the video I have later.  Until then, enjoy the pictures included.

THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Saturday ~ Practice

If you can’t go to the actual NBA All-Star game, definitely go to NBA All-Star practice. Practice was held Saturday morning at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  ****  This was the first time since the NBA All-Star festivities were held in Cleveland, OH that I went to watch practice.  I have been missing out!

The LA Convention Center hosted the NBA Jam Session.  If you’ve never been to NBA Jam Session, check it out. There are numerous opportunities to interact with players, complete various basketball drills, and celebrate the game of basketball etc. More on that in a later post.

Practice is a ticketed event. I suggest you get there early if you want to take pictures since the tickets designate a section only. It’s general admission within the sections.

The guys are pretty loose during practice and you can see the smiles on their faces. NBA All-Star weekend is a fun time for the fans and the athletes. Unlike in football, where it’s a challenge to get the athletes to play in the Pro Bowl, the NBA shows up and enjoys itself during the All-Star break. 

 Don’t believe me? Check out the smiles on the guys’ faces.

One funny moment during practice occurred when Doc Rivers, coach for the Eastern All-Stars, told Carmelo Anthony to stand in the middle of the court since he didn’t know whether he was playing for the West or the East. ****  Obviously this was before Monday’s trade that sent Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks and in the middle of the Melo-drama.

At any rate, practice was a good time and the teams performed various shooting drills. Towards the end of the practice Paul Pierce and Ray Allen established a record for 3-pointers by a tandem for the Guinness Book of World Records. Unfortunately for the Celtics duo, Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant promptly broke the record to claim it as their own.

After practice there was media availability. The media had a chance to go onto the court to talk to the players. Picture it. I liken it to the media version of “storming the court”.

THE WIRK

Paul Pierce's game winner caps Knicks' 8 game win streak ~ Amare scores 39

With all the hype around the Knicks' streak, I'll admit I watched the game tonight against the Boston Celtics.

OK, that's not an entirely true statement.  I really only paid attention to the 2nd half, and it was in between talking to my cousin, Eileen, and answering rapid fire texts from people who seemingly all decided to start texting at once.

I screamed into the phone, and probably busted Eileen's eardrum when Amare launched the 3 at the end of the game.  Too bad the shot was after the time expired on the clock.  Paul Pierce got the game winner. If you haven't seen the shot (i.e. of course, it's on NBA.com), it's here for your convenience: http://on.nba.com/ijJkwM

During NBA All-Star weekend 2010, I was at a party at the W hotel in Dallas and saw Dino Gallinari.  Usually, I like the Euros, but I wasn't overly excited to see him standing in the room (i.e. maybe because he looks really young to me).  My friend, Teri, and I were talking about him and she thinks he's a great guy.  I don't know him at all, but I do know that he was ballin' in the 2nd half of the game.  I even texted her and told her to get in front of a TV to see him playing well.  He finished a 3-point play, to tie the game at 116.

The Knicks win streak ends at 8.  Amare Stoudemire's streak of 30 or more points a game, extends to 9.  I stopped counting when he scored 31 points, but NBA.com says he ended the night with 39 points and 10 boards.

AS = Amare Stoudemire = All-Star!

Paul Pierce had 32 points, 10 rebounds, and the game winner...

Celtics defeated the Knicks 118-116. 

I need to get to the The Garden...  Maybe I'll go on Wednesday (i.e. for the Thunder v Knicks game).


THE WIRK

Miami Heat v Boston Celtics ~ Thoughts from the 4th quarter

We're in the final stretch...  Miami Heat v Boston Celtics, 4th quarter action starts now.  Let's do this...

• Zydrunas is still in the game.  I think he played the entire 3rd quarter.  I think he just picked up his 4th foul.  He's hitting the bench with 10:53 in the 4th left.
• Chris Bosh missed.  He's now 3 for 11 from the field.
• Udonis Haslem hit his shot to cut the Boston lead to 5.  There are just under 9 minutes left on the clock.  ****  Yep, I was right.  It looks like Boston has let up.  Come on, Celtics!!!!
• Since I've seen it at least twice now, I should probably comment.  I like the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar commercial.  I'm glad they didn't show him wearing his shape ups though.  When I think "sexy, toned legs" I don't think of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
• I think the faux-hawk is working for Big Baby Davis.  He just extended the Celtics lead to 6 after some guy on the Heat had cut it to 4.
• Pierce must be feeling better, since he just drained a 3.  The Boston lead is back to 6 with just over 7 minutes to go.
• I need to check the roster.  Who is Jones on the Heat?  No, it's not Eddie. 
• That Jones guy on the Heat just fouled Paul Pierce behind the 3-point arc.  Thank you, Jones!  Pierce is perfect from the line (e.g. 6 for 6) and the Celtics lead by 11, with about 4 and a half minutes left.
• Kevin Garnett shot and got his own rebound and passed it to Big Baby who drained his shot.  Beautiful!  13 point Boston lead.
• Just saw the stat line.  LeBron has 26 points and the Heat is losing.
• LeBron is on fire.  Just drained a 3.  Still losing, but by 8 now.  He just launched another 3 and missed.  Hehehehe :-P
• They're showing Erik Spoelstra now.  I feel bad for him.  If he can't get those 3 guys to win, I'm guessing he's going to lose his job.  Don't worry, Erik!  I liked you when you were sitting on the other end of the bench, so you will still have a fan in me.
• Heat on an 8-0 run and the Boston lead is only 5.  Miami has the ball, and LeBron just cut the lead to 3.  LeBron now has 30 points.
• Under a minute to go, Boston with the ball, Ray Allen just drained a 3!  His mom and I are on our feet!!!!!!  Celtics up by 6 with 49.8 on the clock. 
• Dwyane Wade just missed his 3 point attempt. 
• Celtics using the clock, playing smart.  Wade waited a while, and fouled Pierce.  I wonder why he didn't foul right away.
• Pierce at the line with 27.4 on the clock.  He makes both free throws.  Celtics up by 8.
• The Boston crowd is loudly chanting O-VER-RATED.  I love it!!!!

Game over.  Celitics win 88-80.  LeBron had 31 points. Bosh and Wade's numbers aren't worth mentioning.  The Miami Heat are 0-1.  Only 81 more games to go!  ****  If I have to watch a Bosh interview after this I might scream.


THE WIRK

Chris Bosh ~ Not an addition, but a centerpiece... Agree?

I heard about his quote a week or so ago, but just found the video now.  To paraphrase, Bosh doesn't think of himself as an addition ~ he thinks of himself as a centerpiece.  Um, ok...

Earlier this morning I saw Chris Bosh's name on the crawl and I instinctively groaned.  I realize Bosh is/was a talent and the "Man" for Toronto Raptors...  However, with so many NBA big names becoming free agents, I find myself challenged to get excited over Bosh.  ****  Incidentally, Paul Pierce is joining in the free agent fun now...

Am I the only one who's over Bosh?  I think it's great to have high self-esteem, but why is it that (i.e. to me) he's the one who seems to be talking the most?

Video below.




THE WIRK

Calgon take me away (to Cleveland): Game 5: Celtics v Cavs tonight

Remember those commercials where the girl would be in a tub and say, "Calgon take me away."?  Well, I'm not foolish enough to believe that works.  I've clicked my heels three times and said, "There's no place like home."  However, my black flats don't even look like ruby slippers and let's face it ~ my name's not Dorothy so that won't work either.  If I had a private plane and could go anywhere tonight, I'd take that plane straight to Cleveland, Ohio.  Yes, I said it.  I'd even invite Joakim Noah to come with me, because we know he can't be busy.  That's just how nice a person I am!  Game 5 is tonight, and the Cleveland Cavaliers should be ready to exploit homecourt advantage and defeat the Boston Celtics.

I was watching TNT earlier this week and I heard Ernie Johnson use the term "LeBrondo".  That made me laugh.  Rajon Rondo was the story of Game 4, and LeBron James was the story for Game 3.  Both teams split games on their home floor (i.e. basically trading wins and losses).  I think I recall LeBron saying that he wanted to guard Rondo tonight.  Well, let's just hope that that doesn't open up the floor too much for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen.  Can you tell that I'm a Cavs fan?!?!

I hope Cleveland is bringing more of its offense and defense to the table tonight and is ready to dominate.  I got into a discussion last night about the merit of Mike Brown.  My friend was saying that he couldn't coach.  I admit, I am a member of a "Fire Mike Brown" group.  We both remarked that the only play that Coach seems to call in the huddle (i.e. after a time-out, etc.) is the "Give the ball to LeBron" play.  Trust me ~ he and I are smart and have high basketball IQs, but I assure you that even the dimmest bulb on the shortest bus could figure that out! 

**** Coaches are in a very unenviable position. We love them when the team wins, and we second guess and join "Fire XYZ" forums when the team loses. I like Mike Brown, when the Cavs win and when he's not snubbing Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Regardless, I will still ultimately blame Danny Ferry if the Cavs don't win a NBA Championship this year.

Come on Cleveland, it's GO time at Quicken Loans Arena!!!


THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Saturday Night and the Player's Party ~ 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend, Dallas

Hmmm...  What happened on Saturday...  Well, I can tell you what I didn't do much of on Saturday ~ EAT.  I barely at anything.  I risked starvation and lived to tell.  I am, my own hero.

We ended up at the players' hotel, and once we were able to get through the lobby (i.e. not an easy task without the proper credentials and stamps) that's where I spent most of the afternoon chatting it up with anyone and everyone.

Incidentally, I was the only person "interested" (i.e. I use the term "interested" VERY loosely) in the Dayton v St. Louis men's basketball game that was being shown on one of the walls.  Unfortunately, the UD Flyers gave up a HUGE lead and St. Louis won. 

Running around the hotel from office to office, I eventually came across Chris Kaman and immediately recognized a likeness in appearance to Zydrunas Ilgauskas...  As far as I'm concerned, cutting his hair short is the BEST thing Chris Kaman could've done for himself.  Some people would argue that improving his game was the best thing he could've done for his career.  I disagree.  Am I the ONLY person who remembers what he looked like with his stringy locks flowing and bouncing up and down as he ran the court?  Ewww...  Aesthetics are important to me.  His hairdresser gets my vote for MVP.

I also saw Kevin Durant, and he was carrying a McDonald's bag.  I'm not going to lie, but I almost jumped him for his food.  Seriously...  David Stern would've had to replace KD on the roster, if I hadn't exercised self-control.

My friend and I eventually rolled out and went with one of her girls to an event for Kenyon Martin's foundation.  It was at the modern, furniture store Cantoni, which is located closer to the Galleria.  That reminds me ~ if you see me, ask me to tell you the Galleria rumor I heard...  OK - back to my story.  My friend is friends with Kenyon from the days when she used to work for the Nuggets.  I remember watching Kenyon when he played for the University of Cincinnati.  All I can say is Kenyon Martin is the BEST, since he had food ~ and I FINALLY had a chance to eat.  Thank you, Kenyon, for the hospitality and the grub.  You saved my life!!!

While at the benefit, I noticed a petite lady who looked familiar from TV and movies (e.g. Jerry Maguire, 227 <--  Yes, I wrote 227, etc.).  "She looks like Regina King," I said to Crystal.  "She is Regina King," was her response.  Hmmm...  Ok, that was easy ~ and my eyes are still good enough to pick people out of a crowd.  Regina looks great!

My friend and I make it back to the hotel and barely have time to catch our breath before we hit NBA All-Star Saturday night for the 3-point challenge, Slam Dunk, etc.  I meet Charles Smith (President of the NBA Retired Player's Association and one of the sources of my NY Knick broken heart) and Dale Ellis (I remember him as a Seattle Supersonic).  Charles Smith is tall.  I know tall.  BUT, for some reason Charles looks really tall.  The only thing I can think of is that it's because he's leaner than most of the NBA Players both active and retired.  I shook his hand and told him I was a huge fan.  This was not the time to bring up the bunny shots that he missed years ago...  He replied that my comments were showing my age.  Great reply.  Dale mentioned he lived in Atlanta and we started to chat it up about the city, before I got called to run to the bus to the arena, run towards the bus, and abandon the Dale and the conversation.

We get to the American Airlines Center and who do we see on the concourse?  Ron Harper.  Quick "hello", and we sort of keep it moving.  Dikembe Mutombo walks by.  John Barry and Mike Breen walk by.  Who really needs a ticket?  If you're restless or have a bad ticket, hang on the concourse and you'll see all kinds of people.  Lucky for me, I had a good ticket.

I make it to my seat and survey the crowd.  It looks full, but it's a bit quiet.  Looks like I'm just in time for the 3 point contest.  I survey the seating by the court and notice Bill Russell is there.  Immediately, I'm reminded that he didn't stop when I saw him at Dulles and asked to have my picture taken with him.  I guess he's like that ~ but you still MUST respect his talent and all that he's achieved.

During one of the TV breaks, the Bulls' mascot was dancing to Beyonce's "Single Ladies" song, right in front of Jay-Z.  He wasn't amused, but the crowd was.

Jay-Z isn't amused

Spike Lee and Jamie Foxx

Paul Pierce won the 3 point contest and Nate Robinson won the Slam Dunk contest. Let's just put it out there. I recommend that they cancel the Slam Dunk contest until there's someone/something worth seeing. No offense to Nate ~ seriously, congratulations on the win ~ but many of the competitors dunks were boring. I would've loved to have seen Dominique Wilkins and Spudd Webb hold up a 5 for some of the dunks that were performed. Where was the showmanship and creativity?!?! Just like in schools, the Slam Dunk contest is suffering from "Grade Inflation". When are the judges going to stop giving away A's and B's?!?! Admittedly, I've never dunked ~ but I remember the greatness that I USED to see on TV.

After the Slam Dunk contest we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the NBPA party (i.e. the Players party) which was held at the player's hotel.

On the bus back to the hotel my friend and I were sitting behind Satch Sanders.  Do you know who he is?  I didn't.  She introduced me to him and he was very friendly.  Check out the following link...  The man is ACCOMPLISHED...  Only his teammates, Bill Russell and Sam Jones, have won more than his 8 Championship rings.  The man is a legend!  http://www.nba.com/celtics/history/WhereAreThey_Satch.html

Ticket to NBPA Party

Mary J Blige

I've seen Mary J Blige perform before, but I was excited to see her again. We passed, yet another challenge to get through the lobby and with another handstamp for me we were on our way. I saw Domnique Wilkins, Dale Ellis, Dikembe Mutombo, Chris Webber, etc. Ever see a 7 footer try to hide in a crowd?!?! It's hilarious. Poor Dikembe was trying to dodge every picture taker he could find. Enough was a enough, I guess.

Two things that were notable at the party.
1 - Question: What happens when there are about 10 girls sitting on a pool table and 8 of them get up?!?  Answer:  The corner with the other 2 people left sitting buckles and the foundation cracks.
2 - Question:  What happens when you don't have enough people working coat check and a HUGE party empties out and there is/are no line(s) established?  ANSWER:  A borderline riot.

A borderline riot.  Don't believe me?  Believe THIS.  Sooooooo, there was such a scene at coat check that the Dallas Police Department started yelling at people to back up, the hotel employees had to try to set up velvet ropes to simulate a line, and then some of the police/security began to acually take tickets and retrieve coats.  The coat check people were taking pictures of the crowd, and I'm sure some of them were filming it.  I should check youtube.com....

Once order was restored

OK - That's all I can recall about Saturday...  Saturday ~ the LONGEST day of the NBA All-Star Weekend...

Oh, one last thing ~ check out who I ran into after the players' party...  Too bad he didn't have any McDonald's on him that time....

W/Kevin Durant

THE WIRK

It's tough to be a Celtics or Hornets fan right now ~ Go Cavs, Go Caps, Go Colts!!!

Basketball

1. Wouldn't be surprised if Paul Pierce sits out a few games.  Might as well rest the foot/ankle, until after All-Star break.

Paul Pierce walking off the court after hitting the deck

2. Ray Allen to be traded?  I think it's a mistake. I like Ray Allen as a Celtic and his 3 point prowess...  He's the Celtics version of John Starks...  I like his 3P%age (about 33 percent) and his 15 PPG.  Admittedly, I'm not a GM so I have no idea what he's making.

What uniform do you see Ray Allen wearing?

3. Would hate to be a Celtics fan right now, with all these headaches and KG back in the game.
4. Celtics don't scare Cavs fans!
5. Boobie Gibson is getting it done in Cleveland!  Cavs won 9 is a row last night as they beat Memphis.  I'm going to have to look for my "Got Boobie" T-shirt...
6. Incidentally I was playing on Twitter and saw NBATVChris (aka Chris Webber) ask if anyone thought Memphis was going to beat the Cavs last night... I tweeted back that there would be no upset in Cleveland and that the Cavs would win.  Chris, I was right!
7.  Chris Paul to have surgery.  That's really unfortunate for him and the NO Hornets, who currently are in the 9th spot in the West.  Sorry Hornets fans...  There's room for you on the Cavs bandwagon...  We'll welcome you with open arms.  Hornets don't scare Cavs fans either!
8.  NBA-All Star next weekend in Dallas ~ I need to start planning my trip!!!

Hockey
1. Capitals have won 11 in a row, but I won't be able to check them out until March.  They're away A LOT this month and I'm headed to the Super Bowl this weekend.
2. The Caps should beat the Rangers easily on Thursday night ~ just a hunch...
3. Whoever is in charge of setting NHL hockey schedule needs to get fired.  Why would you have the Capitals play the Penguins on Super Bowl Sunday?!?!  It makes no sense and at a minimum completely inconveniences ME, since I would've liked to have been there in-person to see the match-up at the Verizon Center!  Seriously, the first time these 2 teams met this year (last month), they were up against the Lakers v the Cavs in Cleveland.  I remember that, because I was in Cleveland watching LeBron et al ball...  I have no idea what cave the NHL schedulers are hanging out in ~ but I hope they get their acts together and position the marquee matchups better next year.

NHL Playoffs, Penguins v Caps, May 2009

Football
1. Dwight Freeney will play.  He has to...  It's the Super Bowl.  GO COLTS!!!

Other
1.  Still looking at logos for TheWirk.com.  I've seen so many mock-ups, that I've got a headache...

Alright, I'm done ~ I need to head to the airport "soon"...  Miami here I come...

THE WIRK

Celtics don't scare me, and I still need a ticket to the Super Bowl.... GO COLTS!!!!

List of thoughts because I'm too tired to write paragraphs right now.

Basketball
1.  Yesterday, Pat's dad couldn't go to the game Celtics v Wizards game, so I got called up.  Thanks, Pat. He's a Celtics fan so I compromised and wore lime green.  I will not put a Celtics hat on my head.

2.  I said to bet the Celtics -5.  If you did, you WON.  The Celtics didn't really play until the 4th Q, so sorry if you had to sweat it out.

Final score

2.  The Celtics are not scary.  As a Cavs fan, they'll have to show me more, before I BEGIN to consider them a credible threat in the East.  Garnett is definitely NOT back, even though he's playing.
3.  The only scare of the game happened when Paul Pierce went down, but he got back up and continued playing ~ eventually.

Paul Pierce getting treated on the bench.

4.  The Wizards are running some sort of promotion now through Chik Fil-A.  Chik Fil-A picks a player on the visiting team, and if that player misses both of his free throws, everyone in the arena gets a free sandwich.  Thank you, Big Baby Davis ~ for your poor shooting and my free lunch tomorrow (i.e. if I can drag myself out of my apartment and into the cold).
5. Can't watch another Wizards game for a long time.  Enough is a enough.  I walk out of the Verizon Center stressed out, and this is not good.
6.  I caught/picked up one of those free give away balls that they throw out into the crowd.  I was not standing and waving for it like a 6 year old child.  This proves you can get free stuff by sitting and "playing it cool". 

Yeah, I like free stuff

6.  Watching ESPN Sportscenter, and I'm disgusted.  You'd think Kobe Bryant walked on water last night.  Yes, I get it.  He's the all-time leading scorer for the franchise.  However, in my opinion, he's NOT the best Laker ever.  If you make me choose between Kobe or Magic ~ I'll take Magic any day.  To me, Magic is the Lakers' heart.
7.  Working on plans for NBA All-Star weekend. 
8.  I'm not Oprah and the last thing I want to do is read/sell books, but here's one for you.  I came across my copy recently, and it started me thinking. If you've never read "Homecourt Advantage" by Rita Ewing and Crystal McCrary ~ check it out. It reads quickly and will give you a good idea of what it's like to be a WAG in the NBA.
















Football
1.  Headed to Miami on Wednesday night/Thursday morning for the Super Bowl.  I need/want to be on the ground for all the festivities.
2.  Dwight Freeney and a torn ligament?!?!  Oh no!!!!  Dwight, please play!!!!!  GO COLTS!!!!
3.  I need a ticket to the Super Bowl.  Still.

Other
1.  Working on a logo for TheWirk.com
2.  Trying to come up with other sports ideas/events for this blog.
3.  Apologies to my trivia team, who I ditched to go to the game last night.
4.  Shout out to Fogdog and the Bryant brothers who I saw/ran into while at the game.


THE WIRK