Tag Archives: Life

Driving in the fast lane

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A win over the Atlanta Hawks is Miami’s 19th straight win, still I’m heart broken

Atlanta gained the tip-off with height, speed and fast ball movement but failed to capitalize on that play giving Mario Chalmers # 15 a chance to hit 2. Chalmer’s first basket was followed by another steal by Chalmers to Dwyane Wade # 3 then to LeBron James # 6, but a foul on his leap to the rim left a Hawk on the floor.  The Heat went on to gain a 5-point lead (8-13). A long bom intended for LeBron finds LeBron on the floor. It nearly gets picked off, but from the floor LeBron gets the ball to Wade who gets the job done (8-17). Atlanta races to the other end only to face Haslem who puts a stop to that by drawing a charge. Haslem’s 7th rebound in 8 minutes allows Ray Allen to hit a triple (10-22). Kevin Harris # 34 is speedy but not fast enough, ding-dong, the time is gone – shot clock runs out.

In Q2 the Hawks catch up (28-28), but  D. Wade takes back the Heat’s lead with 2 (28-30), then comes Anderson # 11 Birdman with his backwards dunk. Wade makes a nice move switching the ball from his right to his left hand as his arm swings around  to avoid a Hawk in his path, then he takes it to the rim (33-37). Wow.  Bosh blocks, “You are not getting pass this point,”  so the Hawks shoot from a distance hitting not one but two triples (38-39).  They are trying to catch up. A steal by Wade sends him on a race down the speedway but a Hawk meets LeBron at the rim (38-41). Josh Smith climbs up the ladder over LeBron for 2.  Hawks stopped Wade under the rim but the ball goes out to Chalmers who hits 3.  “Hawks probably wish they hadn’t stopped Wade on that shot” (40-44).  LeBron runs pass Chalmers and does a drive-by to grab the ball from Chalmers then takes it up with perfect timing to secure the Heat’s lead (40-48). Chalmers comes back with a triple (40-51, Q2 2:22).  Atlanta, all over Bosh, forces a shot clock violation (42-51).

Udonis Haslem gets his 10th rebound. Bosh over Anthony Tolliver # 4 gives Miami an 11-point lead (44-55).  At the other end, Smith fouls Bosh giving Bosh 2 at the line with a tenth of a second before half-time.  Ouch, that hurts.  Heat goes into the locker room up 44-57.

Q3 Dahntay Jones does a drive by to take the ball away from LeBron (48-59), “Hey, where’s the ball?” That play got away from the Heat not sure what happened (50-59), then the ball gets away from the Hawks and goes into the stands. “Take it away from me, Lord, take it away…”  Chalmers takes the ball away (50-61). Then D Wade takes it away from Dahntay Jones # 30. Jeff Teague #0 hits a triple to cut the Heat’s lead. But never fear, LeBron is here.  LeBron runs right through the middle of “Hawkland” to  score. Then Bosh hits a 20 footer (56-67). Chalmers comes back with 3 (56-70). Ray Allen cleans up at the rim (60-74). With high intensity, Chalmers forces a turnover then races down the court with the goods. Before he makes it to Grandma’s house he gets ambushed in the paint. The ball is gone. LeBron’s sharp basketball IQ gives him the ability to expect a pass down the lane. He races out of nowhere to grab a steal then gets the ball to Birdman, wide open under the rim. Who could have seen that coming?

Going into Q4, LeBron gets up there and blocks a ball headed towards the rim. What, no point?  Shucks. That was a clean block. Okay, team, find another way. Anderson steals 67-82 but  the Hawks refuse to let him get near the rim. Not out of options, Birdman forces  a stop at the other end with a block that Ray Allen knocks to D Wade to finish. “Don’t leave, the game is not over yet.” A run-away train with another Wade/Cole duo down the court (67-89).

Birdman, Anderson # 11 falls over the back of  Mike Scott #32. Anderson hits the floor hard but gets up unmoved. Scott didn’t hit the floor so why is he shaken up (68-89)? Good fake Scott. Anyway, while Birdman was down, the Hawks got away with a clear path to the rim (70-89). The Norris “Code” sends the ball to Wade but a  pump fake is necessary to get it in. Heat is up 22 with 6 minutes left (70-92). But, that lead quickly drops to 14 (78-92). LeBron sits relaxed on the bench. Hey guys this game is not over. There are 3 minutes left. Anything can happen. 80-94 2:13 Joel Anthony # 50 gives a quick jump to the rim. Then Anthony comes back with another shot. “You go, Joel.” Heat has the ball, there are 23 seconds left to play, the score is 81-98. Heat gets past center court, then stops. “Hey, why are you stopping with the ball,  the time is running out, shoot the ball. Can’t you see the score is only 98. Take it to 100. Why are you stopping? Move it, move it. “You’re causing me a break-down. What about the stats, get the score over 100. Oh my God, who cares if you miss and they get another shot. It’s not like another point for the Hawks will make a difference. Don’t throw away time. At least try to get the score over 100. Not getting the Heat score to 100, messes up the stats. You’re breaking my heart. Somebody teach them to play ball.

Teach the Kids to play ball 0 00 00-01

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LeBron James youngest player ever to hit 20,000 points

Miami walks away with a win over Golden State Warriors 95-72, but LeBron walks away with the gold.  Making 25 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists, at 28 years old, LeBron James is the youngest player ever to hit 20,000 points. He also makes a record 5,000 assists. Ten years in the NBA, LeBron James goes down in history along with Kobe Bryant,  Oscar Roberts, and Kareem Abdul Jababar

In Q1 Wade’s “Dan Marino”  pass to LeBron James sends LeBron flying through the air to the rim with a right-handed slam. (2-4) Wade runs  into the unobstructed paint for 2 (7-8).  Wade’s pump fake draws a foul on Thompson and adds 2 at the line.  “That’s a bad boy.” (14-12).  LeBron goes up for 2 but it’s no good. “It’s not over, yet.” The ball goes out, but Udonis Haslem # 30 comes flying in from the right  wing and cleans up with a “LeBron style” right-handed over the shoulder slam dunk  (18-12).  LeBron with the rebound, spins under the rim but goes down holding his arm. Wade to LeBron back to Wade for 2.  LeBron,  holds his right arm but  he comes back and hits 3 (23-12). Yea, looks like LeBron is okay (25-16).  Joel Anthony puts a stop to Harrison Barnes with his signature block.  Q1 comes to an end with Heat leading(28-21).

Q2 8:35 Bosh slips in the same spot on the court where Wade and LeBron slipped earlier.  “What’s up with that?” LeBron passes to Wade who slams at the rim (30-25).  Wade into the paint throws to Ray Allen # 34 in the corner for 3 (33-25).  Mario Chalmers for 3 (37-25).  Golden State pushes Ray Allen to the free throw line for a technical. Heat leads at half-time 52-38.

Q3 Bosh hits a jumper (60-38). Wade with another “Dan Marino” pass and LeBron climbs up to the rim for 2 (62-38). Chalmers hits 3 (65-38) with  4:09. Tremont Green gets called for an offensive foul for shielding LeBron. Thank you Ref for seeing that  (75-44).  Joel Anthony with the rebound to Bosh for 3 (78-44)  Ray Allen charges into the paint with confidence, adding 2 (80-50). Heat stops the shot and Joel Anthony takes the rebound (85-54). Rashard Lewis finds his rhythm and hits 3. (85-54).  Norris Cole hits a long 2 from the corner (88-61). The Heat played its game and won with a 17-point lead.

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Heat is not playing its winning game

In a late night game with the Miami Heat against the Portland Trail Blazers, Chris Bosh # 1, Dwayne Wade # 3, and LeBron James # 6 are energetic and alive; up 21-18 at the end of Q1. The Trail Blazers miss 15 of 20 shots. Damian Lillard # 0 “Rookie of the Month” hits two triples.

In Q2 Ray Allen # 34 comes alive hitting his 57th triple of the season. Portland capitalizes on missed opportunities. Norris Cole hits 3 (37-27). Udonis Haslem # 40 ties  with Shane Battier # 31 in drawing offensive fouls. Battier watches from the bench, recovering  from an injury.  Cole hits another triple. Bosh throws some impressive steps on the defense but gets called for a travel. LeBron races down the  court towards  the rim with the defense side-by-side on his right-wing; jumping along with LeBron but the 6 ‘ 8 ” LeBron protects the ball up to the rim.   A shift in energy allows Portland to capitalize on the Heat’s missed opportunities (32-26).  LeBron hits a long 3 as Q 2 comes to an end. Bosh  aggressively attacks the rim but draws a foul attempting the rebound. The game gets more physical.  D. Wade heads to the rim but a  quick  pass allows Bosh to slam (48-38).  D Wade hustles for the rebound and a long pass intended for LeBron gets nicked by Portland but lands in the hands of LeBron who takes it up and swings from the rim. Wade with an over-the-shoulder right hook hits 2, just seconds before half-time.

Q3 Wade explodes to the rim with a slam (56-44). Cole hits another triple, but the Trail Blazers play catch up. A right cut to Ray Allen sends  the Heat up 72-65. Then Mike Miller  hits a triple giving the Heat a  77-65 lead.

Q4 drains the Heat’s energy, along with its lead, but the Trail Blazers up the ante with energy, momentum and physicality. Heat’s lead drops to 3, with 4:12 in Q4. Then a Heat turnover ties the game (82-82). A cross court pass from LeBron to Ray Allen adds 3 to give Miami a lead. Udonis Haslem saves the rebound to Ray Allen, then Bosh hits a 20-footer to take back Miami’s lead (87-84).

With 1:36 left the Trail Blazers speed up the game. 1:05 Q4. Westley Mathews # 2 in the corner hits 3 to tie the game with 40 seconds. Mathews hits another 3 to give the Trail Blazers a one-point lead with  22 seconds (91-90). With 10 seconds left the Heat is so close and yet so far. When the curtain falls, the Heat is down 90-92.

The Heat is  playing its practice game, but that’s not a winning game plan. What you did three years ago won’t work today. You’re playing a  Baby Boomer game against the Y Generation.

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Miami Heat over Atlanta Hawks 92-101

In Q1 3:23   Norris Cole, Ray Allen and LeBron James put on a show to advance Miami Heat over the Atlanta Hawks (18-19) (18-21). Norris Cole shoots 3 to give Miami a 3 point lead seconds before the end of Q1.  Atlanta responds with 3.  LeBron uses his basketball IQ to freeze the time on the shot clock, then races the ball to the rim in 4 seconds to give Miami a lead at the end of Q1.

In Q2 Mike Miller shoots the ball in the air towards the rim with LeBron closer to the rim flying in the air towards the ball and guides it into the hoop (41-44). That takes timing, agility, and skill.  Dwyane Wade hits a triple to advance the Heat over the Hawks (47-48). The Heat ball is headed out-of-bounds, when the official standing on the court jumps to avoid touching the ball, Mario Chalmers hustles pass the official to save the ball, then passes to LeBron for 2 (49-50).  What a great save by Chalmers.  At half time LeBron leads scoring with 16 points, shooting 64 percent. Heat lead by 2.

Q3 8:23  D Wade hits 2 to tie the score 65-65. LeBron gallops down the floor to the rim with Hawks on each wing, but LeBron navigates a smooth landing at the rim.  Wade throws a jumper for 2 at the line. 65-69.  With  9 seconds in Q3 Coach Spoelstra is looking serious but he doesn’t have to worry for the rest of this game.

Q4 9:02. Norris Cole tracks the Hawks’ steal and forces a miss shot, then Cole converts the rebound for 2 (78-88). Bosh contributes to send the Heat to a final score  92-101 over the Atlanta Hawks.

Usually Jay Z and Beyoncé are on the stage performing but this time, it’s the Heat’s stage as Jay Z and Beyoncé are  entertained at court side after spending the weekend in Miami enjoyng Art Basel.

Happy Birthday to Felicia.

Hey, Kem, that was a really cool thing you did at that restaurant – for a celebrity  singer/song writer/producer to take the time to compliment and surprise a table of friends, for simply having a great time together. Life is a bundle of memories. We control whether our memories are happy ones, by the people we share our time with.  What better way to live life than authentically laughing with family and friends you have loved over the years. Your music, “Love Calls” and “Share My Life” reflect the kind of person you are.  You will always be remembered for that kind deed. Like LeBron said, just because people share different interest, does not stop the fact that we are family.

 

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Team USA brings home the Gold

LeBron James adds a Gold Medal to his 2012 NBA Championship and MVP Awards . Kevin Durant walks away with a Gold Medal and the highest number of points, surpassing Spencer Haywood, Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan.  Kobe Bryant walks away from his last Olympic game with a Gold Medal and heads back home to align with the newest member of his LA Lakers team, Dewight Howard. Anthony Davis playing in his first Olympics as a recent member of the NBA snatches the final rebound to secure Team USA’s 107-100 win against Spain. Davis adds a Gold Medal to his 2012 NCAA Championship.  Team USA members Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, James Harden, and Russel Westbrook all contribute tremendous athletic ability to bring the Gold back to the USA. This team will go down in history for breaking a world record with the most shots ever scored (156) in an Olympic Men’s Basketball game.

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Andy Murray will never win unless…

When I turned on Breakfast at Wimbledon this morning I was prepared to cheer for Roger Federer because he is so good. Then I saw that LeBron James had tweeted best wishes to Andy Murray. Don’t tell anyone but I cheated and decided to watch Andy Murray’s game. I was impressed during the first two games as Murray beat Federer. During the third game of the first set I started to feel my energy going down.  Can’t explain it, but I felt drained. I love tennis but I was not enjoying it. The more I focused on Murray, the greater became the pull on my energy. As the intensity increased, I noticed that it was not just me. There was a drain on Andy Murray’s energy too. I am not talking about low energy, I mean a definite forceful pull against him. I could feel it like the force of a firehose, but nothing that you can see. Even when Murray won a game I still felt the pull of opposing energy. I studied Murray’s fairly consistent level of play trying to understand what was going on. With the exception of several missed first serves Murray was playing fairly well.

Then the rain came and stopped the match. Secretly I hoped it would rain for 7 days. I was sure that would give Murray a chance to regain and balance his energy. After the rains stopped and the match resumed, I  watched as Murray slipped once, then twice.  At first I couldn’t understand why Roger Federer was not slipping or falling. Then the answer came.  I got it. It came to me in the fourth set as I watched Murray fall a second time. He not only fell but he flipped 360 degrees upside down on the ground, feet went into the air and over his head. As he flipped I saw his black underwear beneath his white T-shirt and white shorts.

I realized that the drain of energy against Andy Murray was a pull against an entire culture. Andy Murray was raised in a British culture in which you never show your underwear, not even accidentally. Yet, he was playing a game that forced him to get dirty and sometimes show his underwear.

My limited knowledge of history recalls that in 500 a band of Anglo-Saxon’s landed in Southampton Water and for the next five centuries created a unified culture in Britain, which they called England. It had a remarkable vernacular literature, a standardized language, sophisticated forms of taxation, coinage, and chancery. The aristocracy played a significant part in Anglo-Saxon England. Codes gave allowances for the privilege of noble birth. A tariff computed a fixed value of a person’s life. The hereditary aristocracy was later merged into a middle-class who had risen to power under the King. Lords and the landed gentry shared in the King’s wealth. In the eleventh century England was old and wealthy, rich partly due to the wool trade and its military strength.

While Britain’s culture is formal and proper, Murray was playing a sport that forces you to get dirty and sometimes show your underwear. Then I knew that Murray would never win unless the force within him could pull against his entire culture and get down in the mud and get down-right dirty. As I watched Murray in the fourth set dig from his soul, I understood that Andy Murray was in a fight against himself. That was not Roger Federer’s dilemma. At Wimbledon today, Andy Murray had to fight the inner person who had been trained, molded under nobility standards, yet, Murray was trying to win a game that required him to get dirty. No matter how good his talent or performance, he could not win that fight from without. That was an inner fight. As Federer won each game, Murray pulled back against that energy like pushing a ton uphill. Murray became more aggressive in the fourth set. His serve was more powerful and calculated. That was Murray’s inner soul longing to win, defying gravity’s pull against him. Then Murray double faulted. That was the old culture inside of him pulling against his inner most desire declaring, “You can’t win. You can’t get dirty. It’s not you.”  At that point, Roger Federer was not Murray’s opponent; Murray had an inner opponent that extended generations and centuries back in history. This powerful force fighting against Murray was the energy I felt earlier in the first set.

The energy shifted briefly in the fourth set. There was a moment when Murray had changed the force of gravity’s pull. I pondered that Murray may actually pull it off. I watched Murray in the fourth set desperately fighting to win. But he gave up some of his power through frustration. When he needed energy the most is when he gave up some of that power.  Sabotage is what makes you give up just before reaching the finish line. Each time he took control and yanked his energy back, that rope around his neck tightened, that’s when his frustration showed.  When Murray threw down the racket I heard a voice within him shout, “I won’t let you win.” The sad part is that he listened to it.

The tears that flowed after Murray’s loss were tears of the inner Murray fighting desperately to go against years of opposition, for Murray, it amounted to individual oppression.

My “innerstanding” of history is that when Martin Luther King said, “We shall overcome,” this is the real opposing force that I need to work on first before expressing frustration at an opponent in the outer world. When all is said and done, the inner stuff is what really matters. More powerful than money, color, or gender, is the will to win.

“Murray, you can’t win until you overcome that inner force against you. Sabotage is a powerful force, stronger than any competitor. Not until you resolve it, will you win. When you do resolve it, look out world, there will be no army  that can withstand the force of your desire to win.

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Will Marriage Help or Hurt LeBron James’ Brand? – Black Enterprise

Will Marriage Help or Hurt LeBron James’ Brand? – Black Enterprise.

The move from Cleveland to Miami demonstrated to LeBron James that no matter how much talent a higher power has bestowed upon you and no matter how much money you have, there is a fine line between love and hate. The fans in Cleveland loved LeBron one day, yet the next day when learning of his passion to leave, their love quickly turned into firery hatred.

The move to Miami humbled and matured LeBron. Celebrity status does not remove life’s disappointments. The Heat’s loss in 2011 gave LeBron a taste of losing a most cherished goal. That loss also impacted Savannah Brimson, who came close to losing her man. Thank God for second chances. 2012 brought a completely different approach, a more positive experience for both. We saw a change in LeBron as he came into the final games of the 2012 Final Championship. He was serious and played to win. That change was not just on the court, it extended to his character and home life.

Maturity helps us to make better decisions as we realize how our decisions determine whether we sink or swim. The past experiences that make us grow the most are the ones that brought the most pain.  Those are the challenges that  make us grow and become better.

When LeBron came to Miami, I prayed that Savannah would not bring the “Basketball Wife” mentality that makes basketball players appear to lack emotional intelligence (EQ and IQ) in selecting women.  It makes good television drama but wrecks havoc on the family and in turn, disrupts the basketball player’s performance on the court. In my book, Sink or Swim, I write about the challenge of a basketball star finding a trophy wife, with substance and a heart. Savannah is a sweet person with substance and a heart, but human nature sometimes causes women to lash out when threatened or hurt, just trying to stop the pain.

We have all done things in our past that could very well have caused us to lose our most important dream. When that happens it causes the person to change.  Whenever you surpass a milestone in life, it forces you to change. The move to Miami has caused both LeBron and Savannah to experience pains of potential loss and both were fortunate enough to have a second chance and regain their dream.

It would be nice if we knew what the future holds. Unfortunately, we never know what curve ball life may send our way. We would like to think that saying ”I do” will mean forever. LeBron is a family-man, however, based on statistics, there is a chance that it may not, especially for high-profile celebrities like LeBron. Understanding that your decisions determine whether you sink or swim, means that you prepare before you  face a challenge. Preparing a pre-nuptial agreement prior to a wedding is a smart move for a high profile celebrity. It is wise planning, similar to a business preparing an exit strategy before going into business. It is hard to think about exiting the business that you are passionately starting. An exit strategy does not take your passion away from your business any more than a pre-nuptial takes love away from your heart. It is just good planning.

Once you prepare an exit strategy in busness, it stays tucked away in the cabinet until you decide to use it. Likewise, a pre-nuptial stays tucked away in the drawer. That piece of paper will never come out of that drawer as long as both continue to respect and love each other and maintain affection and communication daily.

 

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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.