Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball shows Military Appreciation in DC

Saturday Team USA held a Military Appreciation event at the DC Stadium Armory.  Nike gave away "Hoops for Troops" blue T-shirts and the event was a terrific way for Team USA's Men's and Women's Basketball teams to show their appreciation towards those who serve the USA. 

Approximately 3,100 tickets were distributed and the crowd was thrilled to see our nation's finest basketball athletes work through drills, participate in a scrimmage, and a few selected lucky ducks were able to compete in a skills challenge with their favorite member of the team!

What a great event for the Nike World Basketball Festival, the DC Armory, and Team USA!

Kobe being Kobe



Durant and Westbrook laugh with LeBron

I hope you enjoy the great shots of fan favorites, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James (i.e. along with Washington DC's own Kevin Durant).  These guys may compete with different jerseys during the better part of the year, but in international competition, they're definitely UNITED.

Other notables who attended the event were Lenny Wilkens, Gheorghe Muresan, and the Georgetown University Hoyas' own: Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Coach John Thompson (Senior).

Team USA (both men and women) will take on Brazil at the Verizon Center on Monday, July 16.  The women play first and the men are slated to start at 8PM.

Update (July 16): According to my contact, there are only 2 single tickets available in the lower bowl for tonight's match-ups.  The price is $784/ticket.


THE WIRK

Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball Teams come to DC this weekend

In case you're like me and not right on top of the USA Men's Basketball schedule, I'd like to let you know that the USA Men's (i.e. and Women's) Basketball teams are coming to the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.  Both teams will be playing Brazil's Olympic squads. 

Do you know who Oscar Schmidt is?  If you are a true international basketball fan, you do.  Regardless, educate yourself here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Schmidt.

I digress...  Let's get back to Team USA...

If you want a pair of front row tickets (i.e. according to Ticketmaster's website) that are in section 112 (i.e. which traditionally look at the visiting team's bench for NBA games) there are a pair for $827.65 EACH.  That's right - for you and your wife/buddy/customer/client/child/boss, etc. you'll spend close to $1,700.  Don't worry, Moneybags, a portion of you ticket price will go to USO charities.  So if you're fortunate enough to have the ticket money, a huge fan of Team USA, and can't make it to London for the festivities - get yourself to the "Phone booth" on Monday at 5:30PM for the doubleheader. 

Here's a link so you can purchase your tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1500488CE14C7042?artistid=873991&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=7

If you're feeling charitable, I'm only interested in a single ticket and it's ONLY $520.90.  If you want to donate to my ticket account, feel free to Paypal me at sjwirk@gmail.com.

For all of you that have $59, you can pick up seats to the game if you use the discount code: wizards and following the link: https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=wizards&o=505&g=2197

****  I guess I've been catching too many clips of Team USA in Las Vegas, that I presumed that they'd head straight to London when they were finished training in Las Vegas.  As it turns out their stint, out West, wraps up on July 12. 

In addition, I was talking to my friend, Teri, earlier and The Nike World Basketball Festival 2012 will take place at the DC Armory July 14-15.  This was also news to me.  You can expect to find me at the DC Armory this weekend to get over my basketball drought, since the NBA Finals, and to relive some 1992 Dream Team Memories.  From what I understand there will be some select appearances by members of the Dream Team at certain events.

So, for all of you "hoop heads" in the DC/VA/MD area, it looks like you have something to do!  Go out and support Team USA Men's and Women's Basketball.

Nominated for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Men's Team were: Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks); Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers); Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks); Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder); Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers); James Harden (Oklahoma City Thunder); Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers); Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves); Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers); Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder); and Deron Williams (Brooklyn Nets).  Oh and there's another guy...  Hmmm.  What's his name?  You know - that guy who left Cleveland to win a Championship with the Miami Heat.  Yes, LeBron James. 

The men are coached by Duke University's, Coach K.

Admitedly, I'm not as familiar with the Women's team, but here are the names I recognize from the USA National Team:  Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun), Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury).  ****  No offense intended to the other women on the squad who's names I didn't include.  I think I only recognize these names from their NCAA Women's Tournament game performances.

The women are coached by UConn's own, Geno Auriemma.

Enjoy.


THE WIRK

Sade in Concert ~ No Ordinary Show, Washington DC

Whoever said that you have to dance half-naked on a stage and master tricky choreography in order to hold the attention of an audience was LYING.  Sade proved that last night.  I'm not discounting the talent behind other performers that I enjoy watching in concert, but Sade's performance was a unique, quiet storm that made you take notice of her for all the right reasons.  In a time where people are on game shows and handed out awards for having "talent", Sade proves that true talent is still appreciated by a more discerning audience.

I'll admit right now, that I'm not the biggest Sade fan.  I like her music.  I'm a huge fan of her Lovers Rock cd.  ****  Notice I wrote "cd" and not "album".  When she came out with Sweetest Taboo, I remember my dad liking the song.  I thought it was boring many years ago, but I found myself singing along last night.

The visuals of her stage set up were subtle yet striking and yet there were times when the nature backdrops were so serene that you felt as if you were in a spa just relaxing.  There's no question that the woman can sing.  There was no doubt that she has been missed by her audience.  Towards the end of her show, she alluded to this by saying that she wasn't sure when she'd see everyone again (i.e. alluding to no current plans to come out and tour again).  People only showed their love more as a way to persuade her to reconsider. 

As I was debating yesterday on whether to go to the show (i.e. at the Verizon Center in Washington DC), I was chuckling to myself that seeing Sade perform is similar to seeing Halley's comet.  You don't have many chances to see it/her so when given the opportunity you MUST.

John Legend opened up for her and ended with Green Light.  The crowd at that point was definitely "Ready to go..." 

Sade sang for about 2 hours.  I wasn't keeping time officially, but I looked at my watch periodically to "time check" her.  She performed the hits I liked, "Smooth Operator", "All About Our Love", "By Your Side", etc.  She didn't perform "Slave Song", which was slightly disappointing since that song gives me chills and I would've loved to have seen her perform it live.

During the show, I couldn't help but notice that Sade resembles Gloria Estefan.  I can't be alone in seeing the similarity, can I?

Enough about the show.  Go and see her for yourself.  As I mentioned, who knows when you'll have this opportunity again?

As usual, I took the pictures that I'm using in this post.  Enjoy!


THE WIRK

Caps defeat the Rangers, 2-1 in OT ~ Caps lead the series 1-0

Mike Green was back in action, as the Washington Capitals took a 1-0 lead in the 1st round playoff series v the New York Rangers.  The Caps goals were scored by Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin.  ****  Matt Gilroy had the goal for the Rangers.  It took overtime, but the Caps were victorious at the Verizon Center.

Incidentally, I watched the game on TV and saw Wheel of Fortune's own, Pat Sajak, at the game.  A Tweep told me that Sajak is from Maryland and might even be a season ticket holder.  That's semi-correct.  I checked his bio, and he was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  He splits time between Maryland and California.  Who knew?

Game 2 of the series is in Washington, DC on Friday at 7:30.


THE WIRK

Butler v UConn tonight for the 2011 NCAA Championship

UConn celebrating Butler's win over Pitt

I've seen more than enough of UConn and Butler, since I went to the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the 2011 NCAA Tournament in Washington, DC.  I was at the Verizon Center for all the sessions and was fortunate to have a seat near the tunnel where UConn came in and out.  I watched UConn cheer and celebrate when Pitt was defeated by the Butler Bulldogs.  They obviously knew felt that their road to a 2011 NCAA Championship would be smoother if Pitt was eliminated.

It should be a good match-up tonight.  Even though I've seen these two teams play "live" enough to last me a lifetime, I will watch.

I think Vegas has UConn as a 3-4 point favorite.  I'm not a huge fan of Jim Calhoun, but I do like Kemba Walker.  I didn't know that much about him, until I watched him play "live", but you can tell that he definitely enjoys playing the game.  It's also apparent that he and Coach Calhoun have a great relationship.  I watched them smile and discuss the game on the sidelines and you can tell there's mutual respect there.

I'd put my money on UConn, but have to admit that I'm impressed with Brad Stevens and his team's poise and "fight".  Plus, it goes without saying (i.e. but I'll do it anyway) that it's quite an accomplishment to make it to the Championship game, in back-to-back years!

Hmm, maybe I'm a little more interested in the game than I thought...  Oh, well.  I'm still content with not making the trip to Houston.

Based on the reaction in the tunnels, UConn wanted to see Butler defeat Pitt and had to know that they "might" see the Bulldogs at the end of the road.  To quote the Pussycat Dolls, "Be careful what you wish for, 'cuz you just might get it."  Ok, Huskies ~ let's see what you got!

THE WIRK

Cavs v Wizards ~ Andray Blatche had a career night, Wizards get the "W"

Yesterday, I was flipped a last minute ticket to the Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards game at the Verizon Center.  I wasn't overly excited about going to the game, but I thought it'd be a good chance to see an old friend and watch two under-performing squads battle.  I didn't expect much from last night's match-up, especially since John Wall was serving a suspension (i.e. he had scuffled with the Miami Heat's Zydrunas Ilgauskas on Wednesday night).

*****  I'd be lying if the chance to eat Dippin' Dots again didn't factor into the equation also.  I have new found love for those treats.  You'd think they were new, but I've re-discovered my love for the ice cream.  Incidentally, at the Verizon Center, the serving size is smaller than the larger size at the Quicken Loans Arena, but the Verizon Center charges more (i.e. $5).  Beggers can't be choosers, though so I spent the money.  Oh, it's cash only at the Verizon Center so be prepared.

The story of the game was Andray Blatche's performance to lead the Washington Wizards to victory.  That's right, boys and girls, the Wizards won the game.  Blatche had 36 points and 19 rebounds. 16 of Blatche's rebounds were offensive.  JaVale McGee added 25 points, and Jordan Crawford notched a triple-double (i.e. 21 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds).

In the losing effort for the Cavaliers Ramon Sessions led the team by dropping 26 points.  ****  I remember when he "played" for the Minnesota Timberwolves...

Another thing that was interesting was seeing Baron Davis is a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform.  I actually wonder if he's gotten used to seeing himself in the uniform as well.



The Cavs look very different this season



The Wizards, without Wall, take the court



I may not be familiar with the roster of Byron Scott's Cleveland Cavaliers, but since Ohio will always be "home" I do feel connected to them.  It was great to see Max Benton, the trainer, on the bench still.  Veteran, Strength and Conditioning coach, Stan Kellers, was there also, sitting behind the bench.  It must be strange for them to be a part of and remember the Cavs' glory days and now be a part of the organization...

At least things can only get better for the Cavs franchise...  Right?!?!

Wizards won: 115-107.

THE WIRK

John Wall caught Ilgauskas' elbow and he didn't like it ~ Heat v Wizards

I had spent the past couple of days (i.e. with my mom visiting), running all over creation.  Last night mom and I went to the Verizon Center to check out the Miami Heat v Washington Wizards game.  ****  If you follow the blog, you know why this game is interesting and if you don't follow the blog you are a VERY BAD person.  Just kidding.  Kind of.  Sort of.  Not really.

Early in the game, with 8:48 left on the clock in the 1st quarter, Zydrunas had the ball and John Wall wanted it.  Zydrunas is 7'3" and rookie, John Wall, is 6'4".  It doesn't take a genius to know that when Zydrunas holds the ball up, that Wall had better back up and watch his face (i.e unless he wants to eat elbow).  Sure enough, emotions ran high and after catching Zydrunas' elbow, Wall decided to use his right arm to throw a body punch.  Here's a clip of the scuffle:  http://www.nba.com/video/games/wizards/2011/03/30/0021001110_mia_was_play2.nba/

Here are two words that describe John Wall's actions: ROOKIE MISTAKE.



To put the elbow and height in perspective,
and in honor of opening day this was on the
 way to a Cleveland Indians' baseball game.

****  I'm not advocating fighting in the NBA, BUT if I was Zydrunas (i.e. after receiving that weird body punch from John Wall) I would've gone after Wall, like he was Greg Ostertag... John Wall should've swept Zydrunas' leg(s) because tall trees can't land elbows when they're on the ground... THAT's how you fight a seven footer...  You don't try to "BOX".  Wait, speaking of boxing, I don't remember the venue, but there was a guy heckling Zydrunas one day.  He was saying things like, "I'll be Rocky and you'll be Drago."  Too funny...

I am listening to ESPN and the commentary from the lady "talking through the video".  She is heavily biased towards the Miami Heat, and obviously doesn't know her NBA history.  Zydrunas has a temper.  He isn't one to start fights on the court, but he won't back down from one.  I watched the events from section 121 and I've seen many a "tussle/fight" with him.  I know that if he wanted to treat the events like a game of WHACK-A-MOLE, Zydrunas could've pounded John Wall.  The fact that Zydrunas grabbed Wall by both arms and drove him back, shows that Zydrunas exercised restraint.

Elbows in the NBA aren't uncommon.  Zydrunas used to complain about Dikembe Mutombo's elbows, and Mutombo's methods of clearing out his opponents have been well-documented.  Here's a link to a Sports Illustrated (SI) article if you want some light reading from 1999 by Marty Burns:  Don't Bogart That Joint: Opponents are tired of blocking Dikembe Mutombo's elbows with their noses. 

For the record, and it goes without saying, but I will anyway ~ Zydrunas isn't Mutombo.  ****  I do think Zydrunas gave Wall a cheap, left forearm to get Wall to back away.  Further, at the 15 second mark, if you see the red coat at the top of the section, that coat belongs to my mom and I'm sitting next to her.  Yes, if it's interesting ~ chances are I'm there.

As a result of the altercation, for the Miami Heat,  both Juwan Howard and Zydrunas were ejected.  Washington Wizards lost the services of John Wall for the game too, since he was also ejected.

Ultimately, the ejections and the long referee deliberation and review seemed to take the energy out of the building for some time.  Surprisingly the energy picked up and the game wasn't a run away Heat victory.  Jordan Crawford scored 39 points in the losing effort.  Dwyane Wade scored 33 points and some dude named, LeBron, led the Heat with 35 points. 

****  This picture pretty much sums up the past couple of days since I went to New York to see The Lion King with my mom on Tuesday, and we just saw the Miami Heat and LeBron yesterday.

Final score, 123-107.  Wizards lost. 

Update: Wizards rookie, John Wall, has been suspended one game without pay and two Miami Heat players were fined for their actions.  Heat forward Juwan Howard received aa $35,000 fine, and teammate Zydrunas Ilgauskas was fined $25,000.

THE WIRK

Don't miss Janet Jackson's #1s Up Close and Personal Tour ~ DC review

Monday night I was asked if I wanted to see Janet Jackson at Radio City Music Hall.  I was asked around 6PM and I presume her show was at 8.  I would've gone, had I been in New York ~ but I wasn't. 

Actually, earlier that day I was looking at Ticketmaster and Stubhub trying to find a GOOD ticket to see Janet Jackson on Tuesday night at DAR Constitution Hall.  Janet had 2 shows scheduled in Washington DC.  One was Tuesday night and the other is Thursday night.

Seeing as though, I'm a huge sports fan, Thursday's concert date isn't going to work (i.e. since the 2011 NCAA Tournament resumes).  As a result, I had to get my game plan together for last night's show.  Since Ticketmaster told me that her Tuesday night show was sold out, and I didn't want to pay any mark-up fees from a ticket re-seller, I thought I'd have to take my chances with a scalper. 

Regardless, I wasn't going to miss Janet's #1s Up Close and Personal Tour. I arrived at Constitution Hall around 9:15PM and after running by the scalpers and asking them about their inventory, I walked towards the box office.  "It's sold out," was what the guys kept saying as they tried to sell me their upper level tickets or tickets towards the back on the floor (i.e. for face value).  Suuuuuuuuure.  Sold out.  Little did these guys know, that I knew better.

As I talked to the guy at the box office and asked for a ticket, he told me he only had 2 left.  Row AA on the floor (i.e. the first floor in the 2nd group of seats on the floor ~ which translates to the 14th row).  He then also said that he wasn't allowed to split the pair.  That's when the negotiation took place.  I asked him to ask his manager to split the pair.  It was close to 9:30 and Janet was going to come out soon.  We all knew that.  Sure enough, permission was granted and I hustled to my seat!  With an extra seat next to me I was able to spread out and I had plenty of dancing room.  ****  I bought the 2nd to last ticket to the show and I had one of the best seats.  The last ticket was left unsold.  That's how I roll...

Janet looks so much like Michael here

I'm Janet's #1 fan and I'm probably one of her largest critics.  I expect to be "wow'd" when she perform and with her latest tour's title, my expectations might have been even higher.

Janet...  Janet...  Janet...  She killed it last night!  I danced and sang my heart out for the 2.25 hours you were on stage.  I enjoyed watching the clips from Good Times, Diff'rent Strokes, Poetic Justice, etc. and seeing the photo montages from her extensive career.  ****  Janet even put on the screen a picture of Michael and her when they were kids, and the crowd went wild. 

Throughout the show, I scanned the crowd and was thrilled to see that people in the crowd still knew how to do the Rhythm Nation dance and some of Janet's other signature moves.  I thoroughly enjoyed the show and strolled down memory lane as she performed her older hits (i.e. Miss you Much and Alright).  Alright is still one of my all-time favorites and she performed the entire song!  ****  She did not perform Black Cat.  That omission made me happy, since I'm not a fan of that track.

I'm used to Janet performing at larger arenas (e.g. Verizon Center, Izod Center), but I like the feel of the smaller venue.  If Janet was standing, the crowd was standing.  The crowd only sat when she sat and sang her ballads.  Gone was the huge set and stage backgrounds.  Instead, the crowd had a more "Up Close and Personal" experience complete with her signature choreography.  ****  I didn't count, but I think she had about 6 back up dancers.

Janet exiting the stage.  Show's over.

As someone who's seen Janet in concert at least 5 other times and wasn't overly impressed with her last tour, I have to say that last night was an excellent show.  The concert was definitely worth the price of admission.  Actually, I'm thinking about going on Thursday or Saturday in Atlantic City at the Borgata (i.e. in between the 2011 NCAA Tournament sessions).  I told you I was a fan!!!  If you want to get your ticket(s) to see Janet, here's the link:  http://www.ticketmaster.com/search?tm_link=tm_homeA_header_search&q=janet+jackson

For a taste of what you'll see at the show, here's some video I shot... 

THE WIRK

Butler advances to Sweet 16 after upsetting Pitt ~ "Big Mack" scores 30

UConn watching, in the wings of the Verizon Center

Butler did it again.  They found a way to win and defeated Pitt on Saturday.  Jamie Dixon's squad was behind 30-38 at the half.  Brad Steven's Butler Bulldogs eeked out a controversial victory.  Depending on what side of the fence you're on, you might believe that certain fouls shouldn't be called at the end of close games.  I'm of the belief that the "right call" is the "right call" no matter what the score of the game or what the score is.

Here are some of my favorite pics that I took at the game.

Pitt coach, Jamie Dixon, is fired up

Butler Coach, Brad Stevens, always seems so calm

The Pitt player knows the end is near

Butler players celebrate a hard-fought win!

At the Verizon Center, the final score of the game was Butler: 71 and Pitt: 70.  Shelvin Mack (i.e. I'm going to call him "Big Mack") played huge by scoring 30 points.  From my seat, I could see the UConn players celebrating once Pitt was eliminated.  ****  Needless to say, with Pitt exiting the tournament, UConn's road to an NCAA Championship became a little smoother.

Yes, Butler did it again! 


THE WIRK

Kemba Walker led UConn over Bucknell ~ 2011 NCAA 2nd Round, DC

After watching 12 games of the 2nd and 3rd rounds of the NCAA Tournament, I needed to take a time out and collect my thoughts.  Rather than go game by game, I'm going to try to post my highlights.

The first game of the 2nd session on Thursday night started off with Bucknell v UConn. 

****  Notice that UConn, didn't even jump for the opening tip. 

Don't worry Huskies' fans, we all know your team showed up to defeat the Bucknell Bison by a score of 79-52.

I finally had a chance to watch UConn's Kemba Walker in person.  Here are some of my favorite pictures that I took at the sessions in Washington DC at the Verizon Center.  As for you that aren't sure who to pick between the Jimmer and Kemba, I'm right there with you.  I haven't seen Jimmer play live (i.e. yet), but Kemba Walker is definitely special.

I checked a couple of different websites and they all say that the final score was 81-52.  That's funny.  I took a picture of the scoreboard and I saw 79-52.  Ultimately, I guess it doesn't matter even for the gamblers (i.e. since the margin of victory was so high).

UConn's Kemba Walker finished the game with 18 points and 12 assists.  More importantly, UConn advanced to play the University of Cincinnati on Saturday.

THE WIRK

March Madness ~ Butler v Pitt and Cincinnati v UConn @ Verizon Center tonight

I overheard a guy, on Thursday, asking an usher who was playing on Saturday.  Umm, yeah.  Obviously the guy is new to March Madness.  I told him that there was no way to know Saturday's match-up until the games on Thursday were played.  He still looked confused.


 I'm looking forward to tonight's Butler v Pitt match-up.  I'm rooting for Jamie Dixon's Pitt squad.  The 2nd game on the schedule is Cincinnati v UConn.  I'm from Ohio, so I'll be rooting for the Bearcats.  I'm not a Jim Calhoun/UConn fan.  I'm not sure why.  UConn is such a tough team, but I like to root against them.  I have to admit it, that it was exciting to watch Kemba Walker play on Thursday.  After the game, Kemba signed some autographs for UConn fans in the student section where his mother was sitting.  Those are some lucky fans!

Oh, and for the record.  Louisville killed my bracket, so don't even ask me about it.

I've done 8 games in 2 days (i.e. Washington, DC and Cleveland, OH)...  I'm on a Craig Sager like streak, and I love it!  In the past 2 days I've eaten: 2 hot dogs, chicken tenders, a salad, pizza, nachos, Sour Patch Kids, and Dippin' Dots.  I've washed it all down with Diet Coke and water.  ****  The venues where the games are played are dry (i.e. no alcohol is served). 

Based on what I've ingested, if I don't have a heart attack, I'll see you at the Verizon Center tonight!


THE WIRK

Happy St. Pat (Riley) Day!!! NCAA Tournament, Washington DC

Today I went to the NCAA Tournament in Washington DC and I saw one of my all-time favorites at the Verizon Center .  PAT RILEY.  I'm such a huge fan of the man.  I love everything he does (i.e. Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks).  He looks great and his smile is killer.  The man is a WINNER.  Plus, I have a huge crush on Erik Spoelstra (i.e. even before he became head coach), so Riley would be "like" a "father-in-law".  ****  No, I didn't tell Riley, I had a crush on Spoelstra.  To be honest, I forgot ~ plus that just sounds silly! 

Regardless, what a great St. Pat(rick's) Riley Day!!!

Shout out to another one of my favorites, Bob Ferry (i.e. former GM of the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the best person to hang out with when a loved one is having surgery on his foot).  Bob Ferry is the BEST.  Nothing but class from the man, and he's another gentleman who I adore seeing.  Great smile, big hug, and nothing but love!

An actual tournament post will come when I settle in a few days ~ but trust me these 2 men were my highlights!

Recap:
Butler won.
Pittsburgh won.
UConn won.
Cincinnati won.


THE WIRK

Wizards beat the Timberwolves ~ Kevin Love scored his 50th double-double

Saturday night the Wizards had the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves in town at the Verizon Center.  Kevin Love was in town and brought his 49 game double-double streak to town.  It's no secret that I've seen plenty of Timberwolves' games this season.  I'm actually a fan of the young team and enjoy watching Michael Beasley and Kevin Love play, so when I was offered a free ticket to the game you better believe I took it!

Kevin Love didn't disappoint.   He notched his 50th double-double game, even though the Wizards ended up victorious.  The Wizards went into the game losing 7 games in a row.  Both of the squads are young, but Minnesota hasn't learned to pull out close games YET.  ****  This is a skill the Miami Heat are trying to master also, so I'm not really going to slam Kurt Rambis' team that hard for being young.

Another reason I was interested in the game was because I had yet to see John Wall play a real game "live".  I watched Wall play during the NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge, but that didn't count.  Wall finished the game with a double-double (i.e. 18 points and 11 boards), but Andray Blatche was the Wizards' high scorer (i.e. 20 points).  In a losing effort, Michael Beasley dropped 18 points, but Kevin Love contributed 20 points and 21 boards.  WOW.  50 double-double games, in a row...  ****  Moses Malone's record of 51 consecutive double-doubles looks like it's going down!

This game was winnnable for the Timberwolves, but when asked by the guy next to me if I thought the T'wolves would pull it out, I said, "No."  It was what it was, and the Timberwolves just don't have that killer instinct YET...  Tough loss. 

Final score:  Timberwolves 96, Wizards 103.


THE WIRK