Suns scorch the Raptors ~ Vince Carter and Steve Nash's return to Toronto

Last night, I was able to check another venue off of my list as I visited the Air Canada Centre in Toronto.  I came out to Toronto to watch a couple of games this weekend and up first was the Phoenix Suns v Toronto Raptors game.  This game was intriguing for a number of reasons.  Two of which were the return of 1) Vince Carter and 2) Steve Nash.  Sure these two have returned to Toronto before, but that fact doesn't make it any less special.

The Air Canada Centre looked full last night.  I asked the women, sitting next to me, if that was the normal size of the crowd or of it was a larger crowd because Steve Nash was back in town.  They estimated that there were about 25% more people in the arena, because of Nash's return.  ****  I'll be back at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday for the Dallas Mavericks game so I'll have a better handle on crowd size then.



I'm really not plural,
but I'll take it.

The Toronto crowd's reaction to the return of Vince Carter to the Air Canada Centre was somewhat similar but not even close to Cleveland's reaction to when LeBron James (i.e. vilified) returned.  Toronto's wounds aren't as fresh, when it comes to Vince Carter, but make no mistake ~ from the sound of it, they haven't forgiven him for leaving. 

Vince Carter hasn't played for the Toronto Raptors since 2004, when he was traded away.  If I didn't know any better, based on the crowd's response, I'd have thought that it was just yesterday that he and the city of Toronto "broke up".  Every time Carter touched the ball, the crowd would boo.  Really?!?!  It's been more than  6 years, and Toronto still boos him.  At any rate, I guess it's good to see that the city supports its team. 

Steve Nash's ovation was much more positive from his home country.  The crowd in the Air Canada Centre cheered for Nash, regardless if they wanted the Raptors or the Suns to win.  Further, former teammate Leandro Barbosa and Nash hugged at half court prior to the opening tip. 

As I watched the game, I couldn't help but notice the man in front of me with a Washington Nationals hat on.  I found this interesting since the Nationals aren't very good and I didn't expect them to have a following in Toronto.  Further, I was in from DC, so funny that he was sitting in front of me. 

Another interesting moment was when they showed Bill Bellamy on the jumbotron.  Why was he at the game?  Turns out he's performing at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, Saturday (i.e. tonight) at 8PM.  ****  After the game, my friends and I went to Real Sports.  Guess who was there.  Yes, Bill Bellamy.  He seemed like a nice guy, but I only said, "Hi".

After the game, I waited until Vince Carter completed his post-game interview before heading into the tunnel.  There was an older man asking a security guard if Charles Barkley was here.  What?!?! Why would Barkley be here?  However, the older man was adamant that he could see Barkley.  As I heard him describe the man in question, and point towards the guy he thought was Sir Charles (aka the Round Mound of Rebound) I couldn't help but chuckle.  "That's Scott Williams," was my reply to the older man.  Too funny, and for the record, my friend Scott does not look like Charles Barkley.

As for the game, for the most part, the Suns had a 18 point lead.  Ironically, the final score was 110-92, as the Suns won their first game of the 6 game road trip. 

For the Suns, Marcin Gortat  had a double-double (i.e. 17 points and 11 rebounds).  Vince Carter also contributed 17 points, and Channing Frye added another 16 points.  Steve Nash, Canada's own, played a relatively quiet game, but added 7 points with 11 assists.

For the Raptors, Andrea Bargnani came to play and contributed 26 points. Leandro Barbosa was the second highest scorer with 15 points.

When the game ended, and after a few post-game interviews, we were off to Real Sports.  After my friends and I left Real Sports we headed to Maison on Mercer for Steve Nash's fundraiser.  Walking in easily with the Phoenix Suns and being outfitted with the appropriate white wristband, it was a fun night.  DJ Clue killed it and it was fun chatting it up with the Suns and Leandro Barbosa.  Good people, great music, fun times!

The Suns hope to continue winning on their road trip against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.  The Raptors are also active on Sunday against the Mavericks.


THE WIRK

Wizards try for 2 wins in a row on Wednesday against the Magic

The Washington Wizards defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers yesterday, 115-100, and captured their 1st victory on the road. Now, the Wizards can reflect on their 1-25 road record as they prepare to battle the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

The Orlando Magic were in action on Sunday also, and they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers by a margin of 14 at home. The final score of that game was 89-75. Magic star, Dwight Howard, came up big with 31 points and 13 boards.

Let's go ahead and state the obvious. The Orlando Magic will prove to be a more significant challenge to the Wizards than the Cavs, even though the jury is still out as to whether the mult-team trade between the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards made the Magic a better team.

****  This picture was taken at the last meeting between the Magic and the Wizards in DC.  Ironically, both Rashard Lewis and Gilbert Arenas are exiting this picture on opposite sides.  "Shortly" (aka days) after this game, both players would be traded to the other team. 

Let's face it. Sunday's Wizards v Cavs match-up was one to watch for all the wrong reasons. For the same reason people "rubberneck" at car accidents, people tuned into the Wizards v Cavs game. 

Wednesday's Wizards v Magic match-up will be intriguing if not to see if/how Gilbert Arenas and Rashard Lewis play against their former squads. Rashard Lewis missed his 2nd straight game with a sore knee on Sunday, and I haven't heard if he'll return for Wednesday's game. Gilbert Arenas, the former poster boy, for the Washington Wizards has had his scoring drop 50% since the trade to Orlando. He only averages 8.1 ppg now, but now (i.e. to be fair) he's coming off the bench.

The Wizards v Magic game won't be the most exciting NBA game on the Wednesday night schedule, but it will be compelling for many basketball fans as we draw closer to the NBA All-Star break.

Most likely, "NO ~ the Wizards won't win 2 in a row on the road."

However, stranger things have happened. Don't forget... The NBA is where "amazing happens".


THE WIRK

ESPN NBA doubleheader tonight ~ Lakers v Knicks and Suns v Jazz

So Deron Williams is on the ESPN crawl and he says, "I would never force Sloan out of Utah."  Well, of course he has to say something...  I don't know about you, but I'm going to be firmly planted in front of my TV tonight.  Yes, it's going to be a "wild" one.  ESPN is offering me more drama and excitement this evening than a night out with my friends can promise.  To paraphrase the current catchphrase for the NBA, I'm ready for amazing to happen. 

Last night the Los Angeles Lakers spoiled it for the Boston Celtics by defeating the Celtics on a night when Ray Allen made history.  Ray Allen surpassed Reggie Miller to become the all-time 3 point leader.  The Lakers surged in the 2nd half to defeat the Celtics, so I'm going to guess that Kobe Bryant et al will be tired tonight.

My prediction for the first game of the doubleheader is that the Knicks play big tonight and defeat the Los Angeles Lakers.  Last night, I was catching up with a friend and he brought up the fact that tonight will be Phil Jackson's last night coaching the Lakers at Madison Square Garden.  Needless to say the game became slightly more intriguing, and I thought about hopping on a train to New York City.  

Ultimately, I decided to cool my jets and watch at home.  Phil's last game at the Garden...  I can't believe it.  I'm still hoping Phil pulls a "Brett Favre" and comes back next year.  I'm not ready to see the Zen Master go, and with the Lakers playing the way they are ~ I think it's obvious that the team still needs him.

I think after a day of rest and losing the the Los Angeles Clippers (i.e. read "Blakers", as in Blake Griffin's team) that the New York Knicks will deliver a quality performance and win for their fans.

Enough about that.

Late last night, Steve Nash tweeted about the Phoenix Suns getting to .500.  After last season, if you would've told me that the Suns were going to be a .500 team this close to the NBA All-Star break, I would've called you a liar.  Obviously, I knew that the loss of Amare Stoudemire would be significant.  Seriously, though...  .500?!?!  This is a team that made it to the Western Conference Finals last year.

Regardless tonight's 2nd game of the double headers should be a good one.  I predict that the Suns come out blazing and the the Utah Jazz under perform.  I'm also very curious to hear if the reception for Deron Williams changes from previous games.  I can't feel the pulse in Salt Lake City (i.e. on this side of the country), but I can't imagine that the "Utah Jazz" faithful are thrilled that Jerry Sloan is gone. 

The first game is at 8PM.  Order your pizza by 7:30 to make sure it's delivered before the opening tip.

To recap my predictions:

Knicks defeat the Lakers.

Suns defeat the Jazz.

THE WIRK

Brandon Roy to have surgery on both knees ~ Everything isn't rosey in Portland

I was at the airport earlier today, and I saw on the ESPN crawl that Brandon Roy is going to  have surgery on both of his knees.  Wow.  That's just awful.  Talk about bad luck for him and the Portland Trail Blazers... 

I will admit right now that I don't pay attention to the Trail Blazers.  I was at the playoff game between the Blazers and the Phoenix Suns on April 20, 2010.  If I remember correctly (i.e. and my files are correct) it was a Game 4.  Brandon Roy actually returned to the Blazers line up that game and dropped 10 points. 

The Blazers won that game by a score of 96-87.

It's no secret that the Blazers have been plagued with injuries.  Back when they used to put the team on national TV, it'd be like the boardgame "Operation" when the announcers would circle the team's injuries on the body.  Greg Oden's injuries have been well documented so there's no point in getting into them here...

Things are definitely not "rosey" at the Rose Garden...  Last year, I saw Brandon Roy return.  I'm not sure I'll see the same thing happen this year.


THE WIRK

Amare's homecoming: Knicks crush the Suns ~ Good time with friends, but not much of a game

I was in Phoenix "yesterday" (i.e. what day is it?!?!) to catch the New York Knicks v Phoenix Suns game at the US Airways Center, and it was a bonus that I was able to see friends.  It was supposed to be a big game on Friday night, since Amare Stoudemire was back in Phoenix taking on his old squad. 

I have friends in the league.  That's no secret.  I also have friends in the media.  Because of my love of the game and the people closest to me, I'm used to coming second, behind basketball when I see them.  Just because I'm used to it, doesn't mean I'm always happy about it.  I do my best to roll with it and be understanding.  I'm used to having to get to the arena early, watching the pregame warm-ups, schmoozing with former players/announcers, shaking hands, waiting for the post-game interviews, and waiting for the players to come out of the locker rooms.  For those of you that get a ticket and bolt to beat traffic or because your team is down by 10, I'll never understand your world ~ and trust me, you'll never understand mine. 

****  If you think you know, you have no idea.  Don't get it twisted.  I'm not one of those NBA groupie girls.  Sure those girls are out there, but I'm not one of them.  The NBA is a fraternity and if you're in the circle of trust, you need to behave in a way that demands respect.  I want to and will be taken seriously.  Question my intentions, and we will have a problem.

As a girl, I have a tremendous appreciation for everything that goes into the 48 minutes of game time.  Friday, before the game, I was left watching the pregame warm-ups and talking to Allan Houston, Eddie Johnson, and Walt Frazier as I waited for my friend to return with a pass for me.  Yeah, that's how it is.  Only problem is that I knew Walt looked familiar but I couldn't place him.  ****  I'm embarrassed for myself.   I should've known better.  The man is in the Hall of Fame for goodness sake!  As he asked me about the blog and about sponsorship etc, I noticed a couple of my other friends across the court and went over to say, "Hi."

On the other side of the court, a great friend of mine introduced me to Mark Jackson.  As I shook his hand, I told Mark about the time I was in the Bahamas and the man working the lounge many years ago, told me that I missed Mark being there by a couple of weeks.  Not a bad story, and I'm sure he appreciated me having something colorful to say for the 5 seconds I spent with him.

As I left the court and went to grab food and catch up with another friend, I noticed there weren't many people at the arena for the start of the game.  The usher said that 8:30PM games were difficult to sell out, but that the fans would come.  The fans did come, but the Suns offense really never showed up.

As I talked with folks before the game, I wasn't the only one expecting little defense and a lot of offense.  I expected a shootout.  I never expected a final score with the Suns losing by 25.  The final score was 121-96.  The Knicks and Amare Stoudemire were victorious in what, turned out to not be much of a ball game.  Both Amare and Raymond Felton dropped 23 points.  For the Suns, Vince Carter dropped 19, and Steve Nash contributed 14.

I had the chance to scan the crowd during the game, and I saw Wesley Person sitting in the stands.  He was in town for the BCS National Championship game, presumably rooting for Auburn University.  I had the chance to catch-up with him after the game and relay a story from our days in Cleveland.  ****  He used to be a Cleveland Cavalier.  It's always fantastic to see a familiar face in an unexpected setting!

After the game, I caught up with an old friend, but made it back to the hotel as soon as I could to get some much needed rest. 

Great friends in a fun city...  I only wish the actual game was more competitive.

THE WIRK

Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash, and trade rumors ~ Say it isn't so...

What is going on with the Phoenix Suns?  About an hour ago, Steve Nash (Twitter name: the_real_nash) tweeted the following, "Alvin Gentry, 'if steve gets traded I'm going with him.' Makes me wonder what Alvin and I would go for on the open market? #jockstrap&6pack"

Anyone with any knowledge of basketball cannot argue the value of a talented, hard-working point guard.  The point-guard bring the ball down the court.  In a system that numbers players, the point is #1.  All eyes are on the point guard as the ball crosses mid court.  The point guard can make or break a team.

Nash is one of the heralded NBA draft picks in the class of 1996.  Yes, he was drafted by the Phoenix Suns, but I don't think I paid any attention to him until he started to play with Dirk Nowitzki as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.  Anyone that follows the NBA knows that Nash went back to the Suns in 2004.

Last season the Suns were successful although last year they ultimately lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.  I was at the game in Phoenix over Memorial Day weekend (i.e. May 29, 2010 to be exact) and watched as Phoenix lost with a score of 111-103, after Kobe Bryant dropped 37 points.

Before the opening tip, Game 6 of the 2009-2010 Western Conference Finals

Kobe being Kobe

With the Los Angeles Lakers as the defending NBA Champions, they're definitely the team to beat.  I'm not sure where the Phoenix Suns will end up this postseason.  With Amare Stoudemire gone and Nash the subject of numerous trade rumors, it has to be unsettling for Suns fans.  The Suns offense is exciting to watch and I'm not sure who'd they get to replace him. 

After all of my years following professional sports, one thing I've learned is that no one's job in the NBA is secure, no matter what he has accomplished.  However, as someone who finds herself cheering for the Suns in the playoffs, I hope Nash stays in Phoenix.


THE WIRK

NBA Media Day was yesterday and Training Camp has begun

Yesterday was the "start" of the NBA Season with NBA training camp opening up and Media Day!  For those of you that don't know, media is a busy day for those involved in the NBA.  It's like the first day of school for your favorite NBA athletes.  They get their hair cut, some wax their backs (i.e. I swear), and make sure they're camera ready when they have their pictures taken, talk to the press,  and answer questions about the offseason and what they expect for the upcoming season(s).

I was busy yesterday, so I didn't catch (i.e. see/hear) any of the action, but I'm sure that seeing Carmelo Anthony in his jersey served as some (i.e. perhaps temporary) consolation to Denver Nuggets fans.  Further, I can't imagine how different media day was for Cleveland Cavaliers reporters compared to the previous 7, now that LeBron has, "taken his talents to South Beach". 

Keeps your eyes open, because cities that aren't used to an NBA presence during the year often host the teams during training camp.  I know that some franchises have left their "homes" in order to focus on the upcoming season (i.e. the Phoenix Suns are in San Diego, the Minnesota Timber Wolves are in Mankato, the Miami Heat are at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, etc.).  Years, ago I was in Hawaii and saw several men in purple and gold.  Sure enough, I was in the pool that afternoon and noticed Brian Shaw sitting in a chair.  Yes, boys and girls.  The Los Angeles Lakers held their training camp in Honolulu that year and could be found around the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss walking the beach in Hawaii

Forget preseason, I'm looking forward to the first NBA game of the season!  For those of you still relishing in last year's NBA Championship, here's a DVD so you can re-live those moments :-P


THE WIRK

Game 6: Lakers defeat the Suns and Memorial Day weekend in Phoenix

What did you do over Memorial Day weekend?  I was fortunate to be able to go to Game 6 of the Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns series at the US Airways Center...  By now, if you follow sports, you already know what happened.  Even though the Phoenix Suns lost, it was a great game and I enjoyed checking out my 69th venue!

I landed in Phoenix early on Saturday morning and rested for a bit before getting a 75 min massage at the Bliss Spa, located at the W Scottsdale.  Why did I need a massage?  Because on the way to Phoenix, I connected in Minneapolis, and on the way to MSP I faced the triple threat: a seat kicker, a fatty (I.e. Who took the arm rest and 1/4 of my seat), and a sleeper who tried to use my shoulder as a pillow.  Oh well, it happens.  I used my skymiles for a free ticket so it really didn't matter to me.  I was just thrilled to be going to the game and to be on vacation!

After my massage I finally felt relaxed and hung out for an hour before my friend, Brittany, came and grabbed me at the hotel.  We caught up on the way to the arena (i.e. she and I met years ago through mutual friends, in Miami, during the NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Miami Heat).  We separated at will call.  My only complaint about the arena, was that the will call line needed to move faster, but who knows ~ it could be the patrons' fault as to why it was moving so slowly.  Another suggestion is to put more team shops around the concourse.  As I was racing to my seat, I didn't see that many locations for Suns merchandise, so I never did get my Suns hat.  Aside from those 2 things, I like the arena.  Lucky for me, I made it to my seat just in time to take a picture of the opening tip.  Perfect!

I watched the game with Mandy, and we had a great time ~ even though Mandy was rooting for the Lakers, and I was rooting for the Suns. The Suns fought a good fight, and made a run at the end of the game, but the Lakers over-powered them to put an end to the series.  The final score was 103-111.  I never expected to see the Suns have such a successful season, and I was pulling for them to make it to the Finals.  It'll be interesting to see how the offseason plays out for the Suns with free agency. 

As for me, I'm looking forward to watching the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics battle for the NBA Championship, starting on June 3.

A sea of orange at the US Airways Center

Kobe Bryant at the line

 

Both teams strategizing during a time-out

Mandy showing Suns fans keys, since they're heading home...

Meeting up with Brittany after the game.

After the game we went back to the W, since that was the place to be and we were hungry.  ****  Since I was staying at the hotel, it was easy for me to change into evening attire, before dinner at Sushi Roku.  The sushi was yummy and just what we all needed after the game.  After dinner we went up to check out the scene and people watch over by the pool area, under the stars, and the music had the place jumping.

Running into Kenny "the Jet" Smith

Right before I called it a night!

The next day, I ended up sleeping in.  I spent the day at the pool, where the hotel was throwing a luau-themed pool party.  I met Alex, Kat, and Dave and we had a lot of fun spending hours at the pool.  There aren't any pics of the pool party because I'm not about to risk ruining my camera in a pool, but I did manage to get this picture of me and one of the many birds they had on "display".

Today is Monday and I'm finally home.  I connected through Atlanta today and ran into my friend Susan.  I also would be willing to bet cash money that I saw my ex-boyfriend, Jason, and his wife at the gate across from me boarding their flight home to Miami.  Best of all, I ran into Scott (i.e. who was also connecting on his way back to California) and we spent our 2 hour layover chatting the time away in the Samuel Adams bar planning our next adventure. 

Life is good!

THE WIRK

Ron Artest: Zero to Hero ~ Lakers defeat the Suns, Game 5 Western Conference Finals

The Phoenix Suns' Jason Richardson banked his 3-pointer to tie the game at 101, but the story of the game is Ron Artest's buzzer beater.  Ron Artest went from zero to hero in less than a minute! Kobe Bryant launched the ball, and Artest was in the right place at the right time to get the rebound and shoot a bunny shot as time expired.  What a finish! The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Phoenix Suns, 103-101, to take Game 5 at the Staples Center.

Did you see Artest shoot the 3 to go 1/8?  Then did you see Artest get the rebound and put in the game winner?  WOW.

Who do you have winning Game 6?  Who do you have winning the Western Conference Finals?

****  Better question:  Has anyone ever eaten deep fried avocado?  I know how Alvin Gentry feels about it, but I am still curious!  Here's the video I snagged from youtube of him getting sick.

I've already been to the Staples Center, so I'm not over-zealous about going again...  I was there for the Utah Jazz v Lakers game back in April 2009.  Seems like that game was ages ago!

Rooting for the Lakers to beat the Jazz

Game 6 is in Phoenix, on Saturday, with the Lakers up 3-2.  I'll be there at the US Airways Center, and I'm definitely excited to check out a new venue.  FYI - I need to buy a new hat, because I'll be rooting for the Suns!

Will you be there, too?!?!


THE WIRK

Game 4: Rajon Rondo dominates and the Celtics defeat the Cavs

Rajon Rondo played out of his mind. <--  There's really nothing more that needs to be said, but I will elaborate a little bit more about Game 4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers v Boston Celtics series at the TD Garden.

Maybe LeBronsElbow drank too much Arbor Mist...  I have no idea.  I do know that Rondo basically single-handedly ruined my last day in Boston, and that I have worked hard to try to forget his stellar performance.  The Cavs were down, and then it appeared that they decided to try to make a comeback.  Once the Cavs made it a close game and even caught up, it appeared that the Cavs completely unraveled.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and their fans must've felt like they took a shot to their nuts, and Anderson Varejao actually did.  Check out the video from the game.  The sound is terrible, but the image is priceless.  It's no secret I'm not an Anderson Varejao fan...

I went to the game with Ning, Tom (i.e. Ning's boyfriend), and a guy named Jeff (i.e. Tom's friend).  Tom is a season ticketholder and offered me a ticket.  Even though, a Celtics fan ~ Tom's ok in my book.

View from the seats

At the start of the game  I was handed a "Go Celtics" rally towel.  Yeah, I touched it.  I also couldn't resist taking a picture with "Lucky" the Celtics "leprechaun guy".  Yeah, I admit it.  Needless to say, I think I messed up my Cavs karma with those 2 events.  And yes, as a Cavs fan I know I should be ashamed of myself...

Jay-Z and Beyonce weren't at Sunday's game, but it was Mother's Day and LeBron James' mom, Gloria, was sitting pretty across from the Cavs bench.

At one point the Cavs were on top, but they eventually lost the game by 10 points. 

My crush wasn't happy, but since my text messages were being delivered 3 hours late, I "received" his messages late.  Whatever.  It really didn't matter.  There was nothing to celebrate (i.e. unlike after Friday's game) and I had a flight home to catch.  I didn't have time to drown my sorrows with some Arbor Mist, near the harbor. 

Leaving the arena and heading to the airport, I received text message after text message from Celtics fans (i.e. notice I didn't call them my friends, j/k) i just copied and pasted my same reply:  "Every time I saw the ball it was going through Jamison's hands and bouncing off of his jersey, being shot by Varejao, or part of a short lay-up.  Terrible."  Just what every Cavs fan wants ~ Jamison with butter fingers and Varejao shooting...  GIVE ME A BREAK.

Lucky for me there was Game 4 of the Phoenix Suns v San Antonio Spurs series for me to watch on my JetBlue flight!  I was able to watch the 1st 3 quarters and see Steve Nash catch Tim Duncan's elbow.  I watched Nash walk towards the court after his several stitches, and I watched his eye start to swell shut.  Nash's injury wasn't as bad, but it reminded me of Kelly Pavlik in his last fight...  I also noticed that there was a new hashtag for Twitter that was being used (i.e. #1eyedNash) and that it was gaining popularity! 

By the time I had arrived at home, the game was over and the Suns had swept the Spurs!  At least one of the games ended the way I wanted it to...

Thanks, Ning, Tom and Genghis ~ I had a great time!

That's all for now.

THE WIRK

Trail Blazers beat the Suns (Game 4), and I eat my way around Portland

I'd never been to Portland until Friday, but I know some people affiliated with the NBA and media who know that city very well.  I decided some time last week that I wanted to go check out the Phoenix Suns v Portland Trail Blazers series.  I'd never seen either team play at home.  However, I fully expect Phoenix to advance to the 2nd round, and I've been to Phoenix numerous times ~ so I decided that it was time for a quick trip to the Rose Garden (i.e. my 64th venue).

I arrived in Portland and went straight to my friend's place to drop off my luggage and work.  Yes, I worked.  Fridays are light, but they do require some attention.  After work, I went to meet an old friend and NBA veteran.  He and I hadn't seen each other in years, but we caught right up over the longest lunch in history.  Starting off at a restaurant named Higgins and then off to El Gaucho I ate and drank my way through the city in good company, until my other friend came home from work.  I recommend both restaurants highly, but will admit I didn't eat at the 2nd one.

It was around 6:30PM and I received a text from my friend letting me know I had an extra 30 mins to chill since work was taking longer than usual.  Perfect since I needed to nap.  By the time 7:30/8 rolled around, another one of my friends (i.e. a beat writer who was in town doing some TV) had invited me to Henry's Tavern.  Seeing that everything appeared to be in close proximity, my friend and I headed to Henry's.  The 3 of us chatted it up watched a West Coast game and traded stories.  It was a great time.  Dan Majerle walked by our table with friends.  The place was packed.  We were all having fun.  When the game ended, we tried to get my friend to come with us to Portland City Grill.  No dice.  He wanted to stay at Henry's and was off to Oklahoma City in the morning, so we said our farewells.

Portland City Grill must be one of the better restaurants in Portland, because it'd been recommended to me by 2 NBA veterans.  This is more funny than unusual, since most guys in the league frequent the same restaurants when on the road.  For example, don't be surprised if you run into media and/or athletes at Prime 112 in South Beach, XO Prime Steaks in Cleveland, St Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, etc.  Certain restaurants cater to them by staying open late and/or are geographically desirable due to their proximity to the arena.  And yes, for those of you in the know, I could easily list TGI Friday's for Cleveland/Westlake, but some of you would think I was joking ~ but I'm not...  Now, I'm not telling you to hang out at Friday's...  BUT, back in the day ~ you'd be surprised...

****  Portland City Grill offers great views of the city and had a great scene.  Sit in the bar area by the window, soak up the atmosphere, and relax.  The petite filet was good and the white chocolate macadamia nut cookies w/ice cream were a great dessert choice.

The next day after grabbing a coffee and hitting a park to people watch, it was off to lunch.  I can't remember the restaurant's name but the pot roast sandwich and macaroni and cheese were amazing.  Order both menu items and share with someone.

It was a gorgeous day and the walk to the Rose Garden was an easy one.  It felt like spring. 

After picking up the tickets and checking out the team store (i.e. I didn't buy a Trail Blazers hat), we went to our seats and then went down towards the court so I could wave to my friend who was doing color commentary. 

The teams came out to shoot around before the game started and I noticed Brandon Roy was out on the court. The idea of him playing was exciting, since he just had surgery on his knee.

The game started and it was a close one.  The Suns never seemed to get into their rhythm, and the Trail Blazers came out BLAZING!!!  Portland was on fire.  Vegas had established the line at Phoenix -2.  My friend reasoned that taking the Suns was a sucker bet (i.e. enticing everyone to place their money on the Suns, so they'd lose and Vegas would win).  Talk about being correct!  Portland won, and LaMarcus Aldridge proved to be the star.  I definitely took notice of his game.  I certainy didn't expect to hear such a loud crowd and witness a Portland victory.

****  Actually on the way to the game, we passed a man who asked if we were headed to the Rose Garden.  After saying, "Yes," he proceeded to bad mouth the Blazers and said Game 3 was awful.  Well, I hope he changed his mind and gave his team another chance!  Game 4 delivered when it came to excitement and to be honest it got HOT in the building from all the excitement.

One thing I have to say is that the Rose Garden has the nicest group of ushers.  Marlene was working over by the Suns bench and she's phenomenol.  HOWEVER, "Ross" (i.e. the usher from hell) was working the entrance A12 and he needs to be fired or reprimanded severely.  I'm waiting until Monday to log a formal complaint and I'm going to hit basketball operations and even Paul Allen.  I'm not playing.  This man took it upon himself to police another section and "shoo" people out of seats that he thought were sitting in the wrong seats.  Well, he shoo'ed numerous groups of people and then tried to shoo my friend and I ~ when we hadn't moved since the opening tip.   He was waving a sheet of paper and YELLING like a crazy person.  Then he ran over to the other side of the section to talk to the usher that had checked us earlier and she tried to get me to get up and walk over to her.  When I told her I had tickets, the old man continued to flail and wave like a crazy person, so I passed my ticket down.  She passed the ticket back and he went back to his post.  No apology.  No nothing.  Like I said, I've been to 64 arenas across the country and I've NEVER been harrassed like that in my life.

"Ross", Worst Usher EVER

"Ross", Worst Usher EVER: He knows I'm angry and that I'm taking his picture.

The Trail Blazers defeated the Suns, 96-87.

After the game it was off to the On Deck Sports Bar & Grill to catch the end of the Penguins game and finish the rest of the NBA night games before heading back to get my "luggage" and flying home.


THE WIRK

The NBA Playoff schedule is out and NHL Playoffs are underway ~ Let's go Cavs and Caps!!!

Basketball:

The NBA playoff schedule has been released, and I've been looking at my frequent flier mile balances and proposing multi-city trips trying to make the most out of each and every trip (i.e. trying to combine baseball and basketball).  If I'm heading West, I want the trip to be worth it.  The only issue, is that I'm not sure when I have to start traveling for work.  Soooooooooo, West coast friends should expect to hear from me in the next couple of days as I attempt to hash out a schedule that makes sense, physically and financially. 

Plus, let's put this into perspective ~ this is only the first round.

I took a quick look and here are my predictions for the NBA playoff 1st round match-ups :

Lets's start with the East:

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21)  <--- Advances (i.e Go Cavs!!!)
(8) Chicago Bulls (41-41)

(2) Orlando Magic (59-23) <--- Advances (i.e.  I predict a Magic sweep)
(7) Charlotte Bobcats (44-38)

(3) Atlanta Hawks (53-29)  <--- Advances (i.e. Coach Woodson's Hawks are exciting to watch)
(6) Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)

(4) Boston Celtics (50-32)
(5) Miami Heat (47-35) <--- Advances (i.e. I can't in good conscience pick the Celtics and even Doc doesn't want to think about the future)

And, now for the West:

(1) Los Angeles Lakers (57-25)  <--- Advances (i.e. going to be exciting with Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant)
(8) Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)

(2) Dallas Mavericks (55-27) <--- Advances (i.e. I'm so tired of watching the Spurs play sleepy basketball)
(7) San Antonio Spurs (50-32)

(3) Phoenix Suns (54-28) <--- Advances (i.e. Portland isn't healthy enough squad to compete with the hot Suns)
(6) Portland Trailblazers (50-32)

(4) Denver Nuggets (53-29) <--- Advances (i.e. going to be a fight, might even go to 7)
(5) Utah Jazz (53-29)

The road to the NBA Finals should go through Cleveland.  Check out the following video, to get a taste for what to expect if you want to come out and see the Cavs play in the finals.



****  On another note, what in the world is going on in Chicago with John Paxson and Vinny Del Negro?!?!http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5086856

Hockey:

The Caps are kicking off the NHL playoffs.  Game 1 is tonight at the Verizon Center today @ 7PM.  Game 2 is on Saturday (i.e. same time, same place).  They're taking on the Montreal Canadiens.  I have a few friends that are Habs fans, but I think those guys are going to be disappointed.  I've been to the Bell Centre and seen how passionate the Habs fans are about their winning team, but I look for the Washington Capitals to advance.

Nice, but the Caps are going to advance

Incidentally, I just took a poll on the Caps website and it looks like I'm not the only one.  Here is the question and the poll results.

Question:  Who will win the series between the Capitals and the Canadiens?

Caps in 4 or 5 = 56.67%
Habs in 4 or 5 = 5.67%
Caps in 6 or 7 - 24.6%
Habs in 6 or 7 = 13.06%

A while ago, I was watching Washington Post Live and listening to Mike Wise talk about Washington Capitals' fans and their expectations with regard to the postseason.  If I remember correctly, his point was that Caps fans are expecting too much by "expecting" to see the Caps win the Stanley Cup.  I respect his opinion, but disagree.  I believe, that when you are so close to the championship and it appears you're stronger than the previous year, winning it ALL is not an unrealistic expectation.  Let's go Caps!  Go get that Stanley Cup and bring it back to DC.


THE WIRK