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

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

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

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

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

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