Movie Review: Just Wright ~ The only way the Nets make the NBA playoffs this season

In preparation for the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs, I watched the movie, "Just Wright".  It's a romantic comedy, with a sports theme starring Queen Latifah and Common.  Queen Latifah plays a character, Lesley Wright, who works as a trainer/rehab specialist.  Common is Scott McKnight, the star guard for the New Jersey Nets.

****  Did you know I submitted a photo and was selected to be a paid extra for this movie, but couldn't shoot because I had to prepare for a work project?  I was being sent out of the country for a customer and need to prepare otherwise, I would've been a part of shooting for 3 days.  Talk about a missed opportunity!

As I watched the movie, I was amused at how real it is.  I've seen how women search and ogle the family/WAGs section of the stands.  I've seen the envy in their eyes.  I've seen the gold-digging, unscrupulous types try to con players and I've seen players fall for the con.  I've sat in the family section for years.  It's a quiet sister-hood, for obvious reasons.

I also know what it's like to deal with and work with an athlete who's rehabbing an injury.  It's not sunshine and roses.  I can't describe the emotion I felt when I saw Queen Latifah's character throw ice onto an injured Scott McKnight.  Many years ago frustration overtook me, and I threw water.  It's tough trying to get someone to get up and move, when they're depressed and broken.  "Tough" isn't even the word.  Those times can be downright awful.  When you throw water on a 7 footer, who doesn't want to get up, you better be ready for a fight...

I found the movie to be funny, since it's the closest the New Jersey Nets are going to get to the NBA Playoffs this year.  I enjoyed watching cameos from Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo, etc.  The movie may not have won any awards, but for a girl who loves romantic comedies and sports ~ "Just Wright" was "just right"!


THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Jam Session ~ Highlights

Ok, for those of you that are rookies when it comes to NBA All-Star or maybe on a budget, I recommend going to NBA All-Star Jam Session. There are different exhibits from various sponsors and ways to interact with current and former players. Depending on your energy level and patience you can spend hours there so plan accordingly.

If you’re someone interested in autographs there are different players signing at different times in different areas. Numerous opportunities are available for pictures too, if you’re lucky and in the right place at the right time.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from Jam Session.  I have a picture to scan and a video to upload, but until then ~ here you go!

If given a choice between Chris Bosh and the giraffe, I'm choosing the giraffe.

Popovich recruiting... Any means necessary to make the San Antonio Spurs younger...

When NBA All-Star came to Cleveland, the NBA 50 were announced

With Craig Hodges

I waited for Rajon Rondo to smile...  And waited...  And waited...

I'm a huge Kevin Durant fan.

Dream job!

While at Jam Session, I had the chance to try my hand at play-by-play announcing.  Check out the video!  What a fun experience!

THE WIRK

NBA All-Star Nike Party ~ Q-Tip, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, etc.

Tickets and parking pass

Every year there are one or two parties that are special during the NBA All-Star weekend. I was fortunate enough to be given two tickets to the Nike Party. **** Thank you to Q-Tip and the Insideplaya!!! The Nike party was supposed to be held at Drai’s which from what I hear is an outdoor spot at the W Hollywood. When I arrived to pick-up the tickets, I was happy to see that the party was being set up in the lobby area (i.e. Living Room) of the hotel. The weather had been unpredictable with rain and wind, so an outdoor setting wouldn’t work.

I invited my friend Teri to join me at the party. There are very few occasions when I can take care of friends who take care of me for basketball, and this was one occasion where I could return the favor. **** If I offer you a ticket and you don’t accept it, because you think you can get a better offer ~ recognize that you’re going to the bottom of my list or will possibly unlisted in the future. I don’t deal well with people who think they can get a better offer, when I’m already offering you the BEST.

I knew Q-Tip would be spinning at the Nike party and that Kobe Bryant would be there. I had no idea that Kanye West would be performing. Talk about a surprise!

As we headed to the party, we passed the Music Box where Kenny “The Jet” Smith was holding his annual NBA All-Star party. There was a large group of people standing outside the venue trying to gain entry. As we approached the W Hollywood, Teri and I traded our tickets for wristbands and went to enter the party. There were 2 tents set-up outside. The first tent was more the metal detectors, and Teri and I skipped that line. The second tent was to get in, and there was a large crowd trying to get in. Teri went straight to the front of that line and I followed her. We passed, Suzy , from the TV show Basketball Wives. She too was trying to get in and skip the line. While waiting a few minutes, I saw Ne-Yo and what looked like 15 of his friends go in.

Dirk Nowitzki

As we went into the party, Teri went in one entrance and I went through another. I ended up going upstairs in an elevator and going across the floor and down the stairs to the main floor. This route gave me a very good lay of the land. As I went down the stairs, I saw Q-Tip, Dirk Nowitzki, Russell Westbrook, Ne-Yo, World Wide Wes, Brandy, Deron Williams and Ron Harper. Finally re-uniting with Teri, we went to the bar and I saw Rick Fox, Eliza Dushku, and Scottie Pippen (i.e. and his wife, Larsa, who will star on Real Housewives of Miami).

With Spike Lee

Spike Lee was in the house as well.

After I got my drink, I went over to see Q-Tip to thank him for giving me the tickets. I patiently waited for him to “break”, but the man was WORKING/WIRKING! He was killing it. Finally, I had my chance to say “Thank you” and formally introduce myself. I’ll never forget his big, warm smile. Of course he went back to work, and I went back to the party,

If you’ve never been to a Nike party, you need to go. Make no mistake, Nike knows how to throw a party. There were passed burgers, sushi, etc. in addition to the open bar. Food is hard to come by when you’re always on the go, so it was great to be able to eat a little bit at the party.

Jalen Rose

I’m not sure what time it was, but my friend Teri who was also planned to hit the ESPN party was sent a text that the ESPN party had ended. Too bad for those folks. The Nike party was just kicking into another gear. For the ESPN folks that could get in to the Nike party, it looks like decided to come on over. 

Kobe Bryant

Eventually Kobe Bryant (i.e. and his wife et al) showed up and took the table next to where I was near Q-Tip. Kobe’s Nike film played and Dirk Nowitzki flashed the “big L” (i.e. loser sign towards Kobe, but it was all in good fun). After that, Kanye West took the stage and performed. Kanye’s set was great. However, I must admit that I’m a huge Kanye West fan and I love watching him perform.

Kanye West performing

I saw the party as it was being set up and as the party ended I realized I would also be closing it down. I saw Kevin Durant again this year, and told him “Thunder Up”. He smiled. The last person I saw was Rajon Rondo, so I just reminded him that I saw him in the Bahamas over the summer.

Finally around 4AM, it was time to sleep.

**** Forgive the pictures. I read that no cameras would be allowed, so I left it in my hotel room. Had I known that I wouldn’t have to go through the metal detector, I would’ve brought it in. This is the best that my iPhone could do.

What a FANTASTIC party!

THE WIRK

My vacation to Atlantis ~ sun, fun, and Rondo

I've been going to Atlantis since the mid-90s...  Prior to that I was a regular at the Crystal Palace on Cable Beach.  Don't believe me?  Why would I lie?  Once or twice a year, I'd be there dancing poolside with Stephen and Ray, playing Bahamian trivia for prizes (i.e. the prizes used to be airline sized bottles of coconut rum).  Did I know any of the Bahamian trivia answers?  Nope.  But the little girls (i.e. daughters of the hair braiders) would tell me the answer and I'd just phonetically repeat/shout the answer.  It was a great racket.

Those of you familiar with the Bahamas know that Cable Beach WAS the place to be.  Once Atlantis was built, I never looked back.  I've been to Atlantis countless times.  Many a boyfriend has made the trip with me and one even ended up buying a place over there while we were together.  I swear, the property should pay me a commission.

Regardless, this time around I went solo.  I'm not even going to get into the reason why I went solo, in this blog ~ it's not your business and I'm still annoyed, but as a single traveler to Atlantis I must say, I'd go by myself AGAIN in a heartbeat.  I love my family and friends, but I can't wait for them to align their plans with mine.  Lucky for me, I'm an independent person and a creature of habit.  Since I've been to Atlantis so many times I was very comfortable being by myself.  But let's face it ~ large resorts are similar to Vegas (i.e. you're alone, but not really alone).  Further, since I've been there so many times, I have people there that I look forward to seeing.

When I looked at the weather I was concerned about rain and Hurricane Earl.  Earl Schmearl.  I had great weather and spent my afternoons outside by the pool.  I rode the rapids in a tube, tried all 4 slides in the Power Tower and indulged in pina coladas.  I spent the evenings in the sports book and at the craps table.   YES, I'm still a WINNER and made all of my money on the last night.  Resort gamblers bother me.  I feel as though they're not lucky.  The tables were so hot that Monday night was AMAZING.  Craps is a social game and I'm friends with a couple of casino dealers (i.e. Cliff and Leslie) so I was more than comfortable.  Leslie was on vacation, but Cliff was working.  They've known me for at least 15 years...  Crazy, huh?!?!  They asked about my dad and said they haven't seen him in a while.  That's right, I have eyes in the Bahamas :)

One night I saw Boston Celtics' star, Rajon Rondo, playing craps at my table.  He was a quiet guy, but was playing with $100 black chips and trying to make money on the "hard ways". The table was ice cold though.  ****  Incidentally, Rondo just updated his Facebook group with the following status:  "Business as usual around here...working out daily, spending time with family and getting ready for the season."

I took advantage of my time and actually visited Dolphin Cay this trip.  I did the deep water swim and the sea lion interaction.  I even mastered snorkeling (i.e. I hate choking on water with a snorkel and prefer scuba diving).  I got to kiss, dance, and swim with the dolphins.  I saw the medical lab and food preparation areas for the animals and then was able tokiss, pet, and hug Cassie sea lion.  ****  Cassie is famous.  She's met Joe Jonas, Justin Bieber, and now THE WIRK.  What a great adventure!

Atlantis' is offering great deals through October.  They're offering free companion airfare and 4th night free promotions.  It's hurricane season, but I've always taken advantage of the deals and never really had a problem with weather.  The hotel isn't very crowded.  Hotel lounges that used to be packed are empty, but I don't mind it being less crowded.

I'm not too time conscious when I'm on vacation, but if you're impatient and Type A ~ you might want to reconsider a trip to the Bahamas.  The transfer shuttle isn't on time and you'll spend some time waiting, but as a native Bahamiam once told me, "Don't complain.  You're in Paradise."  She's absolutely correct.  Atlantis is still one of my favorite destinations on the planet!

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

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

"If the Celtics are healthy..." ~ Preview of Celtics v Wizards on Monday night...

I fell asleep early tonight and now I'm wide awake...  When I woke up I checked my text messages (habit), and I was happy to see a text from my friend, Pat.  For those of you that read this blog, he's the same Pat that went to Dallas with me.  Turns out Pat has an extra ticket for the Celtics v Wizards game and wanted to know if I wanted to go.  My only dilemma was that Monday is trivia night, but I easily got over my guilt as I texted my trivia team at 10 til 1 this morning to tell them I wasn't coming.  Seriously, WWMTTD (aka What Would My Trivia Teammates Do)?!!?  They would skip trivia also and go to the game ~ I know because they have skipped to go skiing, because they were tired, had a date, etc.  I'm sure they'll understand why I'm not going and that someone else is going to have answer any questions related to 80s music.

Sooooo, the Celtics....  I just checked and according to NBA.com the Celtics' record is 29-16 and they're coming into DC after losing 3 straight.  Incidentally, my Cavs are leading the East with a record of 38-11 and have won 8 straight.  I also checked and it looks like the line for the game is Boston -5. 

THE WIRK RECOMMENDS YOU BET THE HOUSE ON THE CELTICS.  Notice, I said "recommends".  I do NOT guarantee.  If I were energetic enough to go to Vegas tomorrow I'd bet the money line without question on the Celtics.  I seriously doubt they're going to lose 4 in a row.  I may have to eat these words tomorrow night, but I doubt it.

Back to the Celtics and the East.  Everyone I speak to either loves or hates Lebron and the Cavs.  However, the answer always seems to be the same, when I ask Cavs critics who they think can win the East.  The haters all reply the same way ~ "I think a healthy Celtics team can beat the Cavs".  This statement always amuses me.  I'm not sure what movie/show it's from, but it reminds me of the line, "If Grandma had balls, she'd be Grandpa".  The logic is completely flawed.  "If" is the premise and who really knows.  Injuries happen in sports and they're a huge determining factor when it comes to the success or failure of a team, but last I checked Kevin Garnett is back.

Kevin Garnett is back, but he's not BACK from his knee injury.  How could he be?!?!  The man just took to the practice court on Jan 19.  I just checked the box score from tonight's Lakers v Celtics matchup and KG played about 31 mins and went 5-9... He had 10 points, shot ZERO free throws, and was one short of a double double with only 9 boards.  Hmmmm ~ let me tell it to you straight.  I'm going to need KG to pull down a double double CONSISTENTLY in order for me to believe he's BACK from his injury.  AND, if the man isn't shooting any free throws, then it tells me that he's not driving the lane and is probably afraid to make contact ~ which also tells me he knows he's not "back" and that the knee is probably still ouchy.

WOW ~  I just looked at Rondo's numbers, and he exploded tonight!  On the contrary, Ray Allen only shot 2-10 in 34 mins of action and left with 7 points.  Hmmmm ~ I can be a very quantitative person at times, and these numbers do not scare me as a Cavs fan.

Then again, I wasn't scared of the Orlando Magic last year and we all know how that turned out.  YUCK!!!  Basketball is a team sport ~ regardless of what the numbers look lke and what the folks at Nike want the general population to believe.  We also know that some guys don't play "all out" every night, much less for the entire 48 minutes of game time.  "Just watch the last 2 minutes," is what all the NBA haters say when it comes to watching games.

Well - I'll be there tomorrow to see the Celts live and in person.  I'm going to see for myself how this team is playing.  I'm going to scout KG and the rest of the Celtics to satisfy my own curiosity, and then I'll decide whether or not, as a Cavs fan, I need to be scurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrred...  :-P

THE WIRK