Monthly Archives: June 2012

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If LeBron James can get a ring…

One of the happiest and sadist days of my life was when I achieved my most important goal – bar none. That was it. I had dreamed about it, thought about it at the dinner table,  and kept it at the forefront of my mind for years. There was nothing else to live for  – that dream was the pinnacle of my success. After all those years struggling through adversity, that day of accomplishment finally came. It was about damn time.  After the recognition came the partying. I partied like there was no tomorrow. This was it for me. The next morning and several to follow I was still on a high. Basking in the glory that we all celebrated. I could never have done it alone. It took team effort. I was so thankful to all those who had helped me achieve that goal. It took awhile for the glory to wear off. I wanted to hold and cherish that moment forever. I didn’t want it to leave, but it finally did. I can remember thinking, now what.

As I watched the Miami Heat win the 2012 NBA Championship, holding up the trophy in American Airlines Arena with champaign flowing I was so happy. But alone in my head there was some sadness. I knew that soon the party would be over, then what would I write about. Sure I can write about the NBA draft, but if you know who has the first draft pick and who won the NCAA championship and that MVP player, then you already know the outcome. Part of what made the Heat games so spectacular was that, as dynamic as the Heat team was, you never really knew the outcome. Even when they lost, they played an awesome game. Sure I always bet my dime on the Heat, but there were many times when I sat on the edge of my seat not knowing who would win.

As I drove from Miami Beach the morning after, sleepy but carefully observing a police officer at nearly every corner with a radar gun, my first thought was, “That’s messed up.  Why, because I was so busy with my little camera at the pre-party the camera was dead (and so was I) by the time I made it to the real party in the morning hours. Yeah Kevin Durant I know what you mean when you say, “You were so busy streaming doodle jump that you missed my jump shot. That’s messed up.”

Any who I am driving along, from Miami Beach thinking about the amount of adversity  the Heat players, especially LeBron James had to endure to make it to this point. As I’m driving along, I hear my name on the radio talking about my Heat blog. ”Oh lord, I haven’t blogged about last night’s win.” My happy, happy, happy, enthusiasm quickly wears off.  This is one of the few times I didn’t even have my computer with me. I wasn’t thinking about blogging, not last night anyway. Now, the adrenaline starts flowing again.  I am back to the moments just before game time. It’s on.

“Oh my God, let me get to my computer to blog and check my website to see if there are any broken links.” When I go to Amazon.com and put in my name, Sink or Swim comes up. One regular paperback book, one kindle version, and then a third item. “No way!” Under my name is the  first draft version of my book (Sink or Swim) that was sent to Createspace nearly a year before to be edited. The editing was supposed to take four to six weeks. It was finally completed about nine months later. But now, how did this draft version of my manuscript, get converted into a kindle version, and put on Amazon.com under my name with a sales price greater than my paperback, Sink or Swim? I am frantic. I forget about blogging (and everything else) trying to get this straight. My professional reputation as an author is at steak. What if someone wants to read my writing actually pays but gets a copy of my first draft, with not one or two but thousands of errors. They actually pay money to buy this crap with my name on it. O Lord, what else can go wrong.

After spending hours with Amazon, Createspace, and Kindle, I am back where I started. Amazon says, “We had nothing to do with putting your books up. You must have done it.”  Kindle says, “No we didn’t do it. You must have done it. Createspace says, “This could not have been done by us because the ASIN number is not ours. I try to tell Createspace, “Other than my computer, you are the only one that I sent this draft to last year. But Team 2 at Createspace don’t get it and Molly at Team 1 says, “We’re sorry but we didn’t do it, there is nothing we can do. Goodbye”

I sit thinking, “This is messed up. I wouldn’t sell this crap if you held a gun to my head.” Feeling like a loser with no control, the tears try to swell in my eyes. I hold back the tears thinking about adversity. I think about the years LeBron James endured to get to this point. I think about the pain Mike Miller suffered last night, yet,  in his greatest pain scoring his greatest victory. I think about the space that Dewayne Wade had to give up to make room for a team to win. I think about the constructive criticism that Mario Chalmers had to take and still perform.  That makes the champion inside of me rise. ”If LeBron James can get a ring, I know I can get through this mess.” The Heat is on.

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Oklahoma City Thunder v Miami Heat – NBA Finals Game 5 – 6/21/2012

Cole Mobile

YES WE DID!

Okay, King James, now we can celebrate in Wade County.

“It’s about damn time.”

Q1 tip-off  went to the Miami Heat and they never looked back. A Thunder turnover sent LeBron James to the rim with a smash (0-2). Russel Westbrook put Oklahoma City on the scoreboard and Kevin Durant hit his first field goal (6-4), but overall the Heat defense kept the Thunder from roaring.  Westbrook went to the rim expecting a shot but Chris Bosh let him know, ”You got to get through me.”  They met in the air and Westbrook went down. He climbed up and added 2 at the line (8-6). Oklahoma took a short lead but Shane Battier quickly put a stop to that when he hooked 3 (8-9). After that, an alley hoop to Dewayne Wade caught in the air with one hand and slammed in, made a difficult shot look easy. (8-11).

Bosh drives past Kevin Perkins and Serge Ibaka with such momentum the shot takes Bosh crashing to the floor (14-20).  Then Bosh fakes and leaves Perkins in the past as Bosh lights a fire to the rim. (15-22).  Holding his back but shooting his butt off, Miller totaled 24 points. Clearly in pain, Miller said, “I’m alright, this is the Finals.”

James Harden runs smack into Norris Cole and gains a foul. Twelve years with the league, Harden should have known better than that (22-29). Everybody knew that Cole had his ”Cole Mobile” parked out front just in case he needed a quick get-away to the rim. The thrill is gone,  slowly dwindling from the Thunder, but Kevin Durant is still hitting 3′s. From the side Durant slams in with a forceful drive (26-31).

Miller lines up a 3rd triple ( 29-34) but Fisher responds with a triple (32-34).  The Heat’s defense keeps Russel Westbrook  off his game. He misses a slam. Udonis Haslem, behind D. Wade, puts triple coverage on the ball as D. Wade goes up to clean up at the rim.  One way or another, that ball was going in ( 32-36). Heat’s bench helps clinch the win.  LeBron spins up to the rim with a hand right in his face but his eyes stay focused on the target. “Can’t stop this.” And guess what? LeBron and his shot get pass Harden (34-43 Q2 6:47).  Mario Chalmers was hitting 3′s but taking a lip licking from LeBron. “Keep grinding, no premature celebration.”  The Heat’s defense, offense, and bench kept fighting aggressively, The Fab Five was represented in the house as Jwan Howard made his contribution. Bosh did a surprise drive-by on Perkins on Perkins way up to the rim and put a stop to that. Then Bosh hit a home run, that even A. Rod can’t touch (36-48).

The Heat played good  defense. Shane Battier, Mike Miller, Mario Chalmers, James Jones and Norris Cole clutching 3′s opened up for the 3 kings to attack the basket. The Heat’s bench made their contribution. While  most of Oklahoma’s points came from Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden with impressive performances, but not enough Chesapeake Energy flowing in American Airlines Arena. When the Thunder tried to penetrate, LeBron reminded Kevin Durant, “I got you.”  Forcing James Harden off his game kept him below par; Russel Westbrook couldn’t get the ball to Durant. Heat cruised to win game 5 (106-121).

All smiles, D. Wade says, “From Christmas Day we were on a mission. At the end of the day we had one common goal – to become champions.”  Bosh said, “We went through a lot but it was worth it. We came here to win a championship and we got it done.”

During the game LeBron was driving with focus and determination to the rim.  After the game and the 2 a.m. party in the Heat’s house, LeBron  didn’t have to drive any more. He was chauffeured away. Through it all, the Heat remained hungry and humble and for that they took home the championship they deserved.

Long live King James (and Gloria) in Wade County. And Bosh too.

Wade County started celebrating in the early evening,  with 101.5 Lite FM at Da Vinci.  Yea, Ellen, I heard you from South Beach at the early morning dawn.

Wade County

 

 

 
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Oklahoma City Thunder v Miami Heat – NBA Championship Game 4 – 6/19/2012

The American Airlines Arena has three flames burning bright. Heat takes the tip-off sending Chris Bosh to the rim. Kevin Durant responds with 2.  Oklahoma is shooting and defending. The Heat has not yet gotten in the zone. Durant nearly loses control of the ball. “Hey, guys, get that ball.” Tight defense on the Heat and  Westbrook’s 3 for 3 puts Oklahoma up 13-3. LeBron gets his own rebound and puts it back (13-5). Westbrook hits his 4th triple (15-5). “Oh boy.” Wade goes to the rim where he meets Serge Ibaka with a block and goal tend. A slam by the Thunder goes the other way, then Wade with a quick pass to LeBron under the rim at other end adds 2 (15-10). there is a chill in the Arena as the Thunder out-hustles the Heat. Bosh cuts to the basket (17-12). Heat’s ball is stolen but Chalmers gets a block then hustles back down to the other end to put a stop to Durant’s shot. Wade inside is blocked by Collison who is playing ball like his life depends on this game (21-12). Heat spends a little too much time being upset over no-calls (23-12 Q1 3:17) Wade is sweating. Norris Cole makes it through the defense for a lay up (27-14). Bosh tips in 2 (29-16). Durant throws 3 but Miller out jumps for the rebounds. After a 24-second violation, Durant scoots through the  back door for 2. Cole hits 3 as Q1 comes to an end. Thunder lead 33-19.

Q2 Fisher gets striped by Norris Cole. Jump ball. The ref bounces and bounces and bounces, Hey, come on already. Will you throw the ball up and quit jerking us around.”  Thunder gains 2, LeBron adds 2. Now a steal and pass to Wade at the other end quickly sheds  7 off the Thunder’s lead (33-27). Sefolosha hustles to block a Heat lay up, sending the ball out-of-bounds (33-26). James Jones hits 3 with fans are shooting, “Let’s Go Heat.”(33-29). Chalmers gets to the basket and draws a foul to make it a 2-point game. Westbrook hits the first 2 points in Q2. Wade hits 3 to tie the score 35-35. The house is on fire shouting, “Defense.” Wade goes up but Serge Ibaka blocks. Wade hits the floor on his back, I can feel his pain as he slowly gets up, while the Thunder gains 2 at the other end. The points hurt more than the fall. Chalmers gets warmed up hitting 3 (40-38). Chalmers picks up a 3rd foul and goes to the bench with 6 minutes in Q2. Ibaka’s shot goes in and out with Wade all over him. LeBron at the top of the lane goes in with his shoulder down then leaps up to the rim and adds 2 (41-40). Harden is wide open for 3. He misses but gets his own rebound, then misses again. Bosh dives to the floor after the ball, Ibaka crashes on top as Bosh calls a time out. Bosh climbs off the floor, but he comes back and explodes to the rim. Durant drives to the rim sending Bosh to the floor. After a race around in circles Westbrook pulls up with the shot clock winding down and hits 2. LeBron spins pass Sefolosha and gets to the rim (45-44).  Sefolosha’s shot slowly rims out but Westbrook flies in to put it back, then hangs from the rim. Wade off the baseline gets his 10th point (47-46). Thunder holds a 3-point lead at the half (49-46).

Q3 Wade goes to the line and 2. Bodies are flying. Chalmers attempts 3, the rebound goes to LeBron then back to Wade for 2 to give Miami the lead (49-50). Sefolosha is wide open but misses 3. Durant, off-center picks up his 2nd foul. Bosh drives in but gets hit by an ambush team. He gives Miami a lead from the line (54-55). Wade pulls up on a jumper sending Miami back up 1 (56-57). Tangled up Ibaka takes LeBron to the floor, but LeBron gets up and goes straight to the rim (60-59). At the line Wade puts Miami up 60-61. Bodies are all over the place. Chalmers hits a 3 from half-way down the block. Yeah. (60-64). Westbrook gives LeBron an 8th rebound. Serge Ibaka,  illegal screen on the baseline sends the Thunder’s ball to the Heat. Chalmers drops a high arking 3 (60-66). Thunder responds with 2. When Harden gets fouled on Wade’s fake, frowns of frustration show on the faces of the Thunders bench. Under the rim Wade gets ambushed but passes to Battier outside the line for 3. Dead on target, Durant responds (68-71  Q3 3:22). Fisher knocks down LeBron but goes down with him - slow getting up.  Where’s that Thunder? LeBron gives Miami its largest lead of the night (68-75 2:20 Q3). The Heat has had its moments of frustration at the calls, now the Thunder is breaking down over no- calls. Westbrook is hot, but not this time. He drives to the basket but it doesn’t go. Harden picks up his 4th foul sending LeBron to the line (72-77). The Thunder’s 6th turnover allows LeBron to give the Heat its largest lead of the night.

Q4 Harden steals  but Wade with a rebound allows Chalmers to deposit 3 (79-82). The house explodes when Chalmers comes right back and hits another 3, then rolls in a floater for 2. Westbrook is hot responding to everything the Heat shoots. (83-87). Wade pulls up  giving Miami a 7-point lead. Westbrook answers (85-90 Q4 7:01). Westbrook with the last 11 points for the Thunder closes the Heat’s lead to 2 (88-90). Blocking Westbrook, Wade gets a foul and Westbrook ties the score (90-90 6:02). One rebound away from a triple double, LeBron’s leg is not responding as he dribbles down to the floor, cramping with pain. At the other end Wade blocks and sends the ball back to LeBron. Keeping his eye on the prize, while his body is in pain LeBron throws up and banks 2, then goes to the bench in excruciating pain. Five minutes remain in Q4. The Heat lead by 2 (90-92). LeBron, limps back into the game and drives 3 to give Maim a 3-point lead (94-97). On a crucial play, Durant loses the ball to the Heat. Wade makes a power drive to the basket giving the Heat a 5-point lead (94-99). Again on a crucial play, Durant misses. Flying out-of-bounds, Wade pushes the ball to Bosh, but Westbrook intercepts and lays it in (96-99). On a past from Wade to Bosh, Durant draws a foul (1:20 95-99). LeBron is moving slow, in clear pain, but the DNA of a champion, LeBron’s heart is determined and his mind says go. Chalmers gets inside against 3 defenders and banks 2 with 44 seconds. That brings relief to LeBron’s pain. LeBron is down but Chalmers steps up. That’s what team work is all about. Westbrook makes a final drive leaving the Thunder down 3 (98-101). Haslem forces a jump ball. Bounce, bounce, “O, boy, here we go again.”  The jump ball goes in favor of the Heat. LeBron James sits rocking on the floor as Chalmers steps up and delivers. Miami walks away with a 3-game lead. Final score 98-104.

There is no question that LeBron James has the DNA of a champion. But for most champions, the first major win is always the hardest. The biggest challenge is not the lack of practice or experience. The greatest opponent is the one within. It’s that little voice from the past, asking, “Are you ready?” It gets in the way. Cramps might be a sign of dehydration, needing fluids or magnesium, too much uric acid in the body, but why now?

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Oklahoma City Thunder v Miami Heat – NBA Finals – 6/17/2012 – Game 3

Heat holds on to its lead in an emotional roller coaster ride to the last minute. Determined and refusing to disappoint their fans they come out a winner .  Like the stock market hinging on what happens in Greece,  creating volatility in the VIX, game 3 hinged on which team could gain the lead at the end of 48 minutes. Two superpowers competing for the prize.  I couldn’t watch the Thunder with one eye because I needed two eyes to keep up with the Heat.

From the beginning tip-off the Heat is off to the races. American Airlines Arena is filled with white-hot heat. A pass from Wade puts the Heat on the score board 0-2.  Thabo Sefolosha  # 2 quickly climbs into the paint to respond with 2 (2-2). Mario Chalmers’s past to Dewayne Wade makes it to the rim (4-4). Chris Bosh is tied up in the paint to prevent him from getting the rebound (4-4). Bosh sets up a screen to the rim. A turnover sends Wade to the rim (4-8). Heat’s shot is off, LeBron James under the rim gets assaulted by 3 defenders with arms and legs flying as he puts the rebound back (4-10). Wade contests Russel Westbrook’s shot, but Westbrook wins that debate. Kevin Durant # 35 challenges LeBron’s shot but LeBron walks away the victor with 2 (8-12). Durant gets a break on a Heat turnover and adds 2, to even the score (12-12). An outstanding pass from Wade to Bosh results in 2 (12-14). An offensive foul puts a stop to the Thunder’s lightning streak. Super fantastic passes and a cut to the rim takes Miami up 4 (12-16). LeBron hits 2. Norris Cole, energized, goes over the top, the backboard that is. Durant stretches his octopus arms and finishes with 2 (16-18). Bosh goes up but Mike Miller # 13 completes the shot. James Harden pulls the emergency brakes on LeBron, stopping him from the shot. Nick Collison fouls Mike Miller sending Miller to the line for 2 (18-22). Miller takes a hit from Collison, Miller hits the floor, and Collison hits the rim. It’s no good. LeBron gives the Thunder a dose of its own medicine, a lightning streak straight to the rim for 2 (18-24). Collison picks up a 2nd foul with 7 seconds as Udonis Haslem attempts to go to the rim. Q1 ends Miami up 6 (20-26).

Q2 Sefolosha under the rim gets away from ’LeBron’s attempted steal (22-26). LeBron dives for the rebound. On the sidelines Thunder Coach Scott Brooks gets a technical for his passion (22-28). Wade puts a stop to the Thunder’s shot. At the other end Collison picks up a 3rd foul allowing the Heat 2 at the line (24-30). Miller picks up a 3rd foul and takes a hard hit from Harden. Ouch, that hurts (27-30). A travel by sefolosha gives the Heat a break but it does not convert to a sale, Harden gets the rebound (27-30). Chalmers shoots, Bosh jumps for the rebound but gets fouled coming down. LeBron, with a rebound under the basket gets ambushed in the forest trying put it back. Mario Chalmers explodes with a steal and pass to LeBron who sends a field goal to Wade at the other end for 2. Sweet (31-33). Smooth pass from Bosh to Wade for 2. Derek Fisher # 37 fires up 3 (34-35). Kendrick Perkins # 5 at the line gives the Thunder a one-point lead (36-35). Wade under the rim jumps for 2 and gets fouled for a 3-point play (35-38). Durant over LeBron adds 2 to tie the score. A  24-second violation stops them and keeps the Heat down by 1 (39-38). Durant comes back with 2 (41-38), but Battier churns 3 to tie the score 41-41. Racing to the rim a Thunder steps on the tracks and almost gets electrocuted with a foul giving LeBron a 3-point play (41-44). Westbrook pumps 2.  A quick pass from Wade, gives Battier a chance to hit 3. Westbrook responds with 3 as the half-time buzzer goes off. Heat leads by 1 (46-47)

Starting out the gate, both sides are off in Q3. Wade gets his rhythm, at the line giving the Heat a 3-point lead (46-49). Durant picks up a 3rd foul. Bosh shoots in but the ball decides to rim out. Rushed, off-center, and out of the zone, LeBron picks up his first foul. The shot clock runs out. Running down too close to the 24-second shot clock, the Heat is rushing their shots (48-49). Westbrook’s pass sends Oklahoma up by 3 (52-49). Bosh at the line brings Miami within 2. Serge Ibaka is left open and hits 3 (54-51). Westbrook runs into the paint with the ball in his right arm stretched behind his back (a one-arm Rajon Rondo move) then jumps off the diving board and splashes towards the rim for 2. Thunder playing zone against Miami, we falling apart (58-51). Chalmers leaps, “Oh, my God,” but misses the basket (60-51). Now the Thunder is falling apart, a turnover sends a pass from LeBron to Wade, then a race to the rim (60-53). After picking up a 4th foul and sending Wade to the line, Durant takes a seat on the bench with his team up 6 (60-54). LeBron is snatching rebounds. Shane Battier draws a charge against Oklahoma. But Derek Fisher comes back with 3 and draws a foul on Chalmers (64-54). LeBron goes up for a lay-up (64-56). Kevin Perkins misses 2 at the line. (The sunglass kid and his snowman hat is a helpful distraction seated in the background). But that kid can’t stop Perkins from getting 2 rebounds. Battier gets knocked to the floor by Ibaka on a 3-point shot. Q3 3:01 James Jones gets fouled but adds 3 at the line (65-62). Harden hustles through an  obstacle course, extending his arms to draw a foul. Haslem snatches a rebound (66-62). James Harden makes off with a steal, and it’s on. Haslem chases him down. Wade spins then goes airborne for 2,  adding 2 at the line to bring the Heat within 1 (67-66). After a jump ball LeBron hits 3 taking back Miami’s lead (67-69). Q3 ends with the Heat up by 2 (67-69).

Q4 Wade hits 2 but a turnover gives Fisher 2 in the paint (69-71). James Jones, the 3-point shooter does his thing, adding 3. Fisher, thinking he was going to the rim, gets surprised when Haslem blocks, sending the ball somewhere out of the country. Harden lobs to Durant for a slam (73-74). Chalmers drives in and makes 2 (73-76). Harden brings the Thunder within 1 at the line (75-76). Durant and Wade lose their rhythm, in back-to-back plays, Durant missing 2, one is way off. Wade loses the ball at the other end giving Harden a chance to score and take the lead (77-76). Collison fouls LeBron at the line LeBron adds 2 (77-78). Bosh blocks, the Thunder rebounds, then a 24-second violation. A risky pass to Wade makes it to its destination without pirates intercepting. (5:44 77-78). LeBron looks tired, missing the same jump shot a third time. (That late night practicing is catching up. Might consider getting some deep delta sleep, or minute-yoga exercises to give you endurance and keep you in the zone). Wade drives to the rim for 2 and draws the foul (77-81). Thunder turns over the ball but turns up the aggression, blocking Bosh. LeBron rises to the challenge driving like a locomotive to the rim – Durant steps on the train tracks with the train coming. He gets hit and is thrown all the way to the bench with  his 5th foul. 3:25. LeBron drives through Perkins’ roadblock straight to the rim (79-86). Perkins steals from Chalmers giving Oklahoma 2 (83-86). Westbrook hits 3 to bring the Thunder within 1 (85-86). The Heat is on. (I’m exhausted, feeling like I’m in the game – can’t hang out tonight). Bosh adds 2 at the line with 1:19. LeBron is getting the rebounds. Westbrook goes for 2. A blocking foul on Harden trying to stop LeBron (He should know better). With 16 seconds, the players are sweating bullets.   The fans don’t know whether to sit or stand. At the line, Wade adds 2 to secure the lead with 13 seconds (85-91). That remains the final score.

The Thunder walks slowly to the locker room with a look of defeat, but mumbling under their breath, “Don’t count us out”. They walk with their heads down, but don’t underestimate the passion in their hearts. The Thunder is no loser. Don’t play it safe. Things could get ugly. Find the endurance within you to keep grinding. Only 2 games stand in the way of the ultimate prize.

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Miami Heat v Oklahoma City Thunder – NBA Finals Game 2 – 6/15/2012

Q1 After Shane Battier’s 3-pointer, Dewayne Wade knocks in a bucket putting Miami
up 7-2. Kendrick Perkins controls the paint. At the other end Serge Ibaka  puts a block on Wade but Wade comes back singing, “I want you back,” with a take-away steal then beat the race to the rim with defenders in hot pursuit (13-2). Wade does it again – takes away the ball, then Battier hits 3 (16-2). The clock runs out for the Thunder with 24-second violation. LeBron James backs up to the rim and makes the shot count (18-2). Thunder Coach, Scott Brooks, says, “They are playing hard. “Well Yea, this is the play-off.”  Wade with a fake shot draws a 2nd foul on Kevin Durant  with 3:40 in Q1 21-8. Wade with a rebound, hits 2 at the other end (26-8). Heat is assaulting on offense and committing battery on defense. Russel Westbrook goes up but comes down with a 2nd foul. Heat’s defense sends James Harden to the line for 3 as the sun sets on Q1.  Heat leads 27-15.

Q2 Wade floats 2 to the rim over tight defense, then Wade comes back with a block. Norris Cole glides to the rim and banks 2. Thabo Sefolosha adds 3 (33-19) . Oklahoma gets an offensive rebound and puts back to narrow the Heat’s lead to 10 (35-25). Wade silences the crowd with a jumper (37-27). Durant pulls up and adds 2 in flight (37-29). Bosh and Ibaka rush for the ball headed to the back court, both go down. Battier hits 3 (42-29). Westbrook hits 3 (42-32). Wade drives but a hit by Harden sends him into the laps of the camera men. Wade settles for 2 at the line (44-32 Q2 4:42). With arms like spiderman,
Durant snatches Wade’s rebound. Oklahoma gets a break when Mario Chalmers gets bumped out-of-bounds. Bosh throws down (46-34), then blocks a lay up.  Sefolosha returns the block at the other end. It’s on now. LeBron drives back for a lay up (48-34) and Chalmers knocks in a 3-pointer (51-34). Sefolosha responds with 3. LeBron fakes, “Fooled you,” then puts it in (53-39). Harden says, “Take this,” and hits a wide open 3 (53-42). LeBron at the line adds 2 (55-42). Q2 ends 55-43. Wade is feeling it as he goes into the locker room at half time with 13 points, confident, saying, “We’re going to win.” Yea, Wade County is in Chesapeake’s house.”

Q3 Durant gets warmed up with 2 (55-45). Battier steps in drawing an offensive foul on Kevin Durant his 3rd. LeBron gets blocked by Sefolosha but LeBron puts it back. LeBron and Durant both with 3 fouls (59-46).  Westbrook hits 3 (59-49). Wade hits 2 from the corner (63-50). Durant responds with 2 (63-52). Bosh snatches his 11th rebound. Here comes Wade driving in for a lay-up. He doesn’t get stopped for speeding and adds 2 (67-52). Westbrook defines in-your-face defense, squatting face-to-face looking the offense eye-to-eye. Kevin Durant hangs out in the corner and when the time is right hits 3 (67-55).
Battier says, “I got this” wide open hits his 3rd 3-pointer. Westbrook sneaks into the paint for 2 while Haslem is ambushed by Kevin Perkins. Battier knocks in 3 (70-61). 4th foul on Kevin Durant trying to stop LeBron James. Durant did anybody teach you not to step on the tracks when a train is coming? LeBron adds 2 at the line. Westbrook drives in but gets blocked when Udonis Haslem out jumps him. Kevin Perkins against 3 flames fights to keep the ball. James Harden runs smack into Cole sending him to the floor, “Man down.” (76-65) James Jones shoots off the dribble as Q3 winds down. Westbrook comes back with a quick 2. Q3 ends with Heat leading by 11 (78-67).

Wade starts Q4 with a floater (80-69). Durant picks up his 5th foul but he’s not headed to the bench. Wade clenches another 3. Bosh hustles for the rebound. In a race against time, Cole races to the ball before it goes into the back court. Wade stumbles on a wet spot, setting Fisher up for a fall. Bosh at the line adds 2 (82-69). Chalmers gets bumped by Harden and goes flying down to the floor, offensive foul sends the ball back to the Heat. 4Q 8:44 along the sidelines Durant hits 3 with Battier’s hand in his face (82-72). Durant comes back and throws down to cut the Heats lead to 8 (82-74). Harden gets
into the paint to score. Chesapeake energy is flowing like wildfire. Wade under the basket gets stripped but fouled. At the line Wade stops a 7-0 run. Against body-to-body defense LeBron passes to Bosh for a throw-down. It’s a showdown with 6:20 remaining in Q4. Westbrook draws a 4th foul on LeBron adding 2 plus 1 at the line. Wade banks his 22nd shot (87-81). Harden aggressively attacks for 2 (87-83). Battier makes it look easy, hitting his 5th 3-pointer. Durant answers with 3 (90-86). LeBron James is fouled by Nick Collison. Bosh is furious and playing fearlessly. Durant goes up and Battier comes down with his 3rd foul. At the line Durant adds 1 of 2 (92-87). Wade banks another 2 (94-87). Westbrook drives to the basket and makes a hole-in-one (94-89 2;31). The Heat loses the ball but takes it back then loses the ball again, a crucial turnover, allowing Westbrook to score, bringing the Thunder within 3 (94-91). LeBron hits his 30th point with a little over a minute to play (96-91). On a pass from Wade. Bosh throws down (94-91). Durant comes back attacking the rim with a quick 2. Heat ball the Thunder makes a quick foul to stop the clock with 48 seconds. (In basketball land, 48 seconds is forever). A steal by Oklahoma to Durant hits 3. “This is the longest 48 seconds and it’s taking years off my life.” Heat leads by 2 with 12 seconds in the game and Oklahoma has the ball. Hearts are pounding. LeBron saves the day, with the rebound and 2 at the line giving Miami a 3-point lead with 7 seconds. Miami holds on to its lead 100-96 (Final Score). It’s heart break for Oklahoma City, which has never lost a home game in their arena this entire season.

The Heat flies home to celebrate Father’s Day with their families.  “Are you kidding me?” This is a bad week to celebrate Father’s Day. Can we postpone it til next week after we win the next three games. You can’t celebrate Father’s Day, not on Sunday, June 17, with
a game at 8:00 p.m. Wade this is your county so you make the call. Issue a proclamation that in Wade County, Father’s Day will be celebrated on next Sunday, June 24th. “I know you guys always complain that Mother’s Day gets all the attention. But listen, we promise we’ll make it up to you. We acknowledge you all for being great dads, (Especially you Wade. Not many  father’s fight for their children the way you did?), but listen guys, this is  it. Win or go home. So on this father’s day, let’s celebrate winning. Three more wins and you will never forget this Father’s Day. Right now,  just play ball.

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Miami Heat v Oklahoma City Thunder – Game 1 – NBA Finals – 6/12/2012

There was thunder in Chesapeake Arena on Tuesday night with special effects flowing like black gold as Oklahoma City takes game 1 of the NBA Finals, leading the Miami Heat  94-105.

In Q1 the Miami Heat comes out fired up in red with Mario Chalmers # 15 and Shane Battier # 31 hitting 3′s. Dewayne Wade’s jumpers minutes apart add 4 (12-8). Battier hits all net adding 3.  Wade falling away with a jumper for 2 (22-13).  Wade takes his time to set up and its good (24-13). Wade  drives but Kevin Durant # 35 with a wing span of nearly 7 feet blocks then goes to the other end and makes the lay-up in an arena filled with royal blue and neon lighting.  (24-15 2:44 Q1). Heat lead Q1 29-22.

Q 2 starts with a few Heat slip and falls. Too much leaning against the opponent’s body without solid grounding.  LeBron James goes in for a lay up (31-24). The Thunder makes its 5th turnover. LeBron at the line with a serious look of focus and concentration. (There it is).  His team is set up ready for a rebound, but there is no rebound, it’s good (Hoop, there it is) (35-24).  LeBron with 18 shots and 11 rebounds, steals then accelerates to the rim with Kevin Durant in hot pursuit.  LeBron gains speed and goes sky bound to the rim. Then Chris Bosh # 1 comes with a jumper and drops 2. Derrick Fisher # 37 grabs a rebound and goes coast to coast for 2 (39-28). Q2 is a real show down between the Heat and the Thunder.  Chalmers dances with a spin and a drive to the basket for 2, then Durant throws down 2, but Bosh responds with 3 (50-39). Battier’s arm gets tangled up with Russell Westbrook # 0 and gets a double technical (54-47) (Hey, what did he do?).  Durant is wide open for 3  (54-50).  No contact but the ref calls a foul on Mario Chalmers and sends Thabo Sefolosha # 2 to the line (54-51) (Hey Ref, come on). With the shot clock running down LeBron hits 3 (57-53).  Battier goes up on one side of the basket and catches the rebound on the other side then goes to the line for 2 (58-53). Sefolosha # 2 steals Wade’s pass then races to the other end and hits 2 at the line (58-57). Hustling with sweat running down his face, Wade gets his own rebound. The Heat is on but their  wide-angle vision is too narrow. (Widen the vision and sharpen the anticipation). The ball is pasing faster than they can see it.  Bosh is racing on the heals of Westbrook when he gets tangled up and both go down. At the line Westbrook adds 2 to bring the Thunder within 2 (66-64).  Battier hits his 4th 3-pointer (69-64).  Wade blocks but Oklahoma City thunders back to score  (71-68).  Westbrook  goes into the paint with 2 and draws a foul, adding 1 to give the Thunder its first lead as Q 3 comes to an end (73-74).

In Q4 mis-timed rebounds give the Thunder a chance to score. The Thunder’s fast passes at the three-point line pulls the Heat’s defense to the edge,  while a Thunder sneaks into the paint and adds 2 (73-78). Durant challenges the Heat’s offense and defense. Wade defends Durant body to body still Durant gets the shot. Durant picks the ball away from Bosh then races towards the rim but Battier ties up the ball (77-82 Q4  7:51) the Chesapeake Energy is flowing for the Thunder  in Q4 as it pulls off game 1 of the finals.

The Miami Heat, representing the best of the East, is composed of a dynamic trio, including Dewayne Wade, Chris Bosh and LeBron James, brought together as a result of the work of our own master strategist Dewayne Wade. Three dynamic players  in their own right came together, acknowledging that winning would require some giving and some taking; more giving than taking. No longer is it one-on-one basketball. Now,  it is more like a golf tournament played using the best ball format, where each of the foursome hits their golf ball, but only the best ball is played. The other three players pick up their golf  ball and take it to the position of the best played ball.  While only one ball is counted for each stroke, winning happens because each player performs his or her best on every shot; all in the spirit of winning.

What will make the Miami Heat bring that trophy back to Wade’s County is that the Miami Heat uses the Chesapeake Energy to its advantage. Despite the energy flowing in Oklahoma City the fans in Wade’s County know that the dynamic trio and the rest of the Miami Heat can strike a match and set that place on fire.

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Boston Celtics v Miami Heat – Game 7 Eastern Conference Finals 6/9/2012

King James

We’re celebrating a win, but it’s not party time yet.
It’s not over til it’s over.

D. Wade

 

 

 

 

Udonis Haslem

 

 

With 23 seconds remaining in the game,  Boston Celtics trio, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, head to the bench.  Miami Heat takes the Eastern Conference 7th game (88-101) to advance to the NBA finals.

Long Live the King

Long Live the King

Thanks Chris for taking the time
to give us T-shirts tonight

 

 

Norris “Cole Train”

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Miami Heat v Boston Celtics 6/7/2012 – Game 6 Eastern Conference Finals

LeBron James #6 knew that the only option tonight was to win or go home. He came out serious intending to win the game and his 45 points, 18 rebounds and 8 assists, helped the Heat to stay in the playoffs with a 20-point lead over Boston. Growling like a lion, LeBron runs into the paint weaving through triple defense then James goes airborne with a slam. That was how the night started and LeBron’s performance never let up. LeBron gets a rebound and goes down the floor with a finger-roll for 2 (19-12). LeBron hits 3 (22-12  2:32 Q1). LeBron pump fakes for 2 (24-14).  Q1 Ends with Heat leading 26-16.

Q2   A shot in the bucket by Wade starts this quarter off (28-16). LeBron surrounded with tight defense hits 2 (40-25).  LeBron in trouble passes to Chalmers for 3 (48-37). Bosh throws up and from outside the paint, LeBron  runs in with a slam to clean up (50-40). Seconds before half-time, LeBron hits his 30th point, giving the Heat a 13-point lead (55-42).  LeBron contributed 30 of the Heat’s 55 half time points.

Q3 LeBron says, It’s simple, “For us tonight it’s win or go home.” After Kevin Garnet gets a technical,  Bass with an offensive rebound and slam gets the fans fired up (60-48). Now, after Mario Chalmers hits  3,  Haslem with a rebound to LeBron for 2 (67-52). LeBron comes back with a jump shot (69-54), and a jumper  (74-61). each time LeBron is dead on.  Q3 comes to an end with the Heat maintaining its lead .

Q4 Wade starts the quarter racing under the basket and throws up and around the basket, in a “Michael Jordan shot”. (78-61). Shane Battier # 31 hits 3. Miami leads 81-63. The Garden is quiet.  LeBron hits 3 (83-64). A jump ball finally goes to the Heat.  Wade inside and out gets the rebound put back 85-64. heat plays to a high level and other players go to a higher level.

Q 4 7:24. LeBron runs under the rim and a pass from Wade adds 2 (89-64).  Bosh at the line hits 1 to give Miami a 20-point lead with 4:17 minutes. Bosh hits 2 in the paint (92-70).  With 1:35 remaining, the seats in the Garden are nearly empty. With 12 seconds and Boston trailing by 20-points, remaining fans show their support for their beloved team shouting, “Lets go Celtics”.  James hits 2 at the line to give Miami a 20-point lead (98-78) with seconds remaining. Heat takes game 6 with a final score 98-79.

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Boston Celtics v Miami Heat – Game 5 NBA Eastern Conference Finals 6/5/2012

The Boston Celtics came to town and took a 3-game lead in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. A 3-point shot by Paul Pierce late in the final minute helped to seal the Boston’s lead.   The Miami Heat is a dynamic team that has made competing teams play up to the challenge. Now, its down to the wire. These play-off games have made all the competing teams improve and play better. As a result, the fans have enjoyed some of the most dynamic and entertaining basketball since the Harlem Globtrotters.

Congratulations to Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma Thunder for its Western Conference Championship win.

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Miami Heat v Boston Celtics 6/1/2012 – Game 3 Eastern Finals

Something changes, Boston cools the Heat.

Q1 Mario Chalmers # 15 heads down the court with no hesitation, “I’m coming through” straight to the rim 4-4. Mario passes to LeBron James # 6 to tie the score 6-6. Chalmers hits 3 to tie the score 10-10. Ray Allen # 20  responds with 3. LeBron steps inside the line for a   2-pointer (12-13). LeBron’s jump shot puts Miami in the lead (14-13). Fast ball movement up and down the court. Wade to LeBron, defending buzzards grab at the ball but LeBron moves faster to the rim than the defenders trying to get the ball. LeBron goes in the paint surrounded by 3 and amazingly gets to the rim (21-20). Joel Anthony # 50 hits 2, Shane Battier # 31 gets offensive foul sending a Celtic to the floor. LeBron to the rim (26-22). LeBron sporting off his shiny black high tops hits a jumper (28-22). Keyon Dooling hits 3 (28-25).

Keyon Dooling # 51 strips LeBron and goes down the court for 2. Something changes the energy of the game. Q1 ends with Heat trailing 28-30; LeBron with 16 of the 28 points. In Q2 the Celtics cool the Heat’s flame, getting the rebounds and defending. First half ends with Boston leading 42-55.  In quarter 3, LeBron drives his 30th point, but out-of-sync the Heat  falls further behind,  trailing at the end of Q3 63-87.

In Q4 the Heat reduces Boston’s lead to 8-points but lacking coördination and communication, when the curtain falls at the end of the show, the Heat leaves the stage with too much reverb. Even Rajon Rondo # 9 and Ray Allen had trouble getting their teammates to hear their verbal messages, repeating numerous times. I’m all the way over here on the other side of the television screen wondering, that’s odd, “Why  do they keep repeating their messages over and over. I wonder why their teammates cannot hear them.” They are right there on the court with them,  but it’s like they cannot hear them. What’s up with that?” Then I thought about my time hanging around singers.

No matter how good a singer, when there’s too much reverb or sibilance it distorts the voice, making it harder to hear.  Reverb is an effect that allows recorded sounds to reverberate. In a recording studio reverb allows a producer to add texture to a person’s voice, giving it depth and fullness. However, putting too much room or hall reverb on vocals can cause them to sound distant and muddy, distorting the sounds of a person’s voice. This affects the entertainer’s performance.  Maybe the Heat needs a de-esser, an audio editing tool that deals with high frequencies, used to edit the vocals.