Dirk or LeBron ~ Who needs an NBA championship more?

I was playing on Facebook earlier and noticed that my friend, Trey Harris, posed an interesting question.  His status read, "Heat vs. Mavs is starting to bounce around inside my head. Whose career needs a championship more? Dirk or LeBron?"

Immediately I started to type.  Here's the exchange.

Me: "No one really expected/expects Dirk to do anything. That's why everyone sounds so amazed when he drops 40+.  LeBron is the idiot who counted championships on his HANDS before a single game.  LeBron needs the championship more."

Trey: "True, Lebron is expected to win. But Dirk & the Mavs have underachieved for so long, this could very well be their last shot. I think it'll be a hell of a series either way."

Me: "Agree, Trey. but in terms of need for a championship for his career/legacy - it's LeBron.  If you're talking about this year SPECIFICALLY, then Dirk for the reason you stated ~ but it won't matter in the eye of the public if Dirk is like Ewing and Barkley and never wins a ring."

Trey: "Sarah, you make a good argument comparing Dirk to Ewing & Barkley (and it killed me that Ewing never got a ring). He'll still be a great player. But Lebron is the golden child. And "The Decision" still hangs over his head. He has more time to win but the expectations are way through the roof. Ayo, shout me out in the blog!"

Well, here you go!  What do all of you think?  Sure, we're jumping the gun and making some assumptions since the Eastern and Western Conference Finals aren't over yet, but it's definitely something for you all to think about as the crucial Game 5s approach.


THE WIRK

Tom Cruise and Oprah at the United Center again

I have Oprah on in the background, and Tom Cruise just came out on stage...  The show was filmed at the United Center.  Seeing those two at the United Center, reminded me of when they were sitting behind my friend and I at the Tina Turner concert in 2008. 

Can you recognize everyone in the picture? 

From L to R: Gayle King, Tom Cruise's mom, Tom Cruise, Connor Cruise, Oprah, Stedman Graham

Of course, we all know Oprah has her OWN network now, but it's still strange to know, that her show is coming to an end.

THE WIRK

Kareem deserves and will get a statue ~ Patience...

I have to make this quick since I have some place to go, but here it is...

I was thinking about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar today.  Come on!  As if you weren't also.  LOL.  Anyway, I was thinking about Kareem and it somehow reminded me about all those girls who have been dating men forever and are impatiently "waiting" and nagging their significant others about getting engaged. 

I love Kareem.  I skipped a day of medical school to go to the local MC Sports to have him sign a Lakers hat and take his picture.  My dad went to some auction a million years ago and came back with an autographed Kareem picture.  I went to a Los Angeles Dodgers game and Kareem threw out the first pitch.  I will never forget it. 

I don't know the specifics about the relationship with the Lakers and Kareem, but I do know the history.  5 titles.  He's a center.  He's THE big man (i.e. behind Bill Russell).  I can't finish Bill Simmons' "The Book of Basketball", because of all the Kareem bashing.

All I can think about is the poem I once heard...

Patience is a virtue
Possess it if you can
Seldom found in women
Never found in men!

Don't worry Kareem...  Unlike those ladies nagging their men for a ring, I can guarantee you that you'll get what you want.  You will get your statue and when you get it ~ I'll take a trip out to LA to check it out!

I need to get a Skyhook shirt: http://store.kareemabduljabbar.com/skyhook-tshirt2.html


THE WIRK

Game 2: Heat v Bulls tonight ~ Go Bulls! Beat the Heat!

On Sunday night, I went to the movies rather than watch Game 1 of the Miami Heat v Chicago Bulls series.  Part of it was poor planning on my part.  However, when I realized my "mistake" I decided I'd follow through on movie night as opposed to watch the game since I thought the game wouldn't be a good one and I wanted to catch up with my friend, Megan (aka Pita).

As soon as the movie, ended I ran home to check the score and watch the end of the game.  I landed in front of the TV with 8 minutes left in the game, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the score of the game.  The Bulls were up ~ BIG.  It was a beautiful sight! 

I sat perched in front of my TV in disbelief as the Bulls fought for rebounds and played extraordinary defense.  I also watched Taj Gibson deliver two major exclamation points when he put "up" (i.e. or is it "down") two massive dunks. 

The final score was 103-82.  The Bulls won.

Sure it was only Game 1, but it still counts.  The Bulls made quite a statement.  Tonight is Game 2, and of course Coach Erik Spoelstra will make adjustments.  I'm sure the Heat won't lie down tonight.  I've said it before, and I'll write it again.  I like Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra, and Dwyane Wade.  I just can't root for LeBron or Chris Bosh.

It should be a good one in Chicago...  Make no mistake.  I will not be at the movies...  I can't wait to see what Derrick Rose and his squad do tonight.

Oh, and for those of you that don't watch PTI, check out Michael Wilbon and this clip.  It's awesome! 




THE WIRK

With the 1st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select...

I've written about the NBA Draft lottery before, and from what I can tell most of you have read that post today.  Here's the link, in case you have no idea what I'm talking about: http://www.thewirk.com/2010/05/iswas-nba-draft-lottery-rigged-depends.html.

Yes, I do think the NBA Draft lottery is somehow rigged.  I'm not saying it's done every year, but some years look more suspicious than others.  Don't ask me how it's done, especially since they went to the ping pong balls, but something seems awfully interesting about the Cleveland Cavaliers getting the 1st and 4th picks this year. 

It's a shame that the player talent pool is shallow this year.  As a Cavs fan and a Duke fan, I'm interested to see how Kyrie Irving does in Cleveland.  After the debacle and let down associated with last year's season, I'm looking forward to rebuilding the Cavaliers under Byron Scott.

At least Cavs fans will have something to be excited about.

Incidentally, I received an email this morning from a former customer of mine in Minneapolis.  His email read, "You got our draft pick.  Please treat it kindly."  Funny.  For the record, I think the Timberwolves are just fine with Kevin Love and Michael Beasley...

It may be a small victory, but I'll take it.  Go Cavs!  I can hear David Stern now, "With the 1st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select..."

Oh, and you have plenty of time to sign up for a Twitter account so you can follow the NBA Draft when the actual picks are made.  Trust me.  If you're a basketball fan, you'll want to follow the commentary.  It's pure comedy.

Update:  I just heard David Kahn's comments.  He's not alone in his thoughts.  We've all seen the 1985 footage.  I remember thinking the same thing for the 2003 lottery, when I saw Gordon Gund's positioning near the podium.  I didn't watch last night's draft lottery, but I'm just saying the outcome looks "interesting" after the previous, dreadful Cavs' season.


THE WIRK

Thunder v Grizzlies, Game 6 is a good one ~ Hope you're watching

If you're a basketball fan you should be watching the Vancouver Grizzlies v Seattle Supersonics game.  OK, it's really the Memphis Grizzlies v Oklahoma City Thunder game, but if you're a basketball fan, you should understand the joke.  It's been a great game so far with Russell Westbrook playing the way I like to watch him.  Westbrook is slashing to the basket and making plays. 

Personally I hope the Thunder pull out the win.  You can see why.  OKC's foul trouble might become an issue, but time will tell...

Thunder Up!

Update:  I think this is the 2nd time the Thunder have managed to choke away a lead.  What a terrible 2nd half offensive showing.  Rough night all around for Kevin Durant, and Westbrook started his old routine again.  No idea what the issue is and what's changed from the regular season, but I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I'm crazy if they can hear me yelling. 

Thanks a lot, Thunder.  You took a nibble out of my winnings!

I wonder if I can make it Oklahoma City on Sunday...


THE WIRK

Pacquiao defeated Mosley in an underwhelming fight, but Mark and I were there

Ok, so let's talk about the Shane Mosley v Manny Pacquiao WBC Welterweight bout on Saturday night...

As I mentioned in a previous post, I took my cousin's son, Mark, with me to the fight.  ****  Mark you still owe me the pictures, so please send me them when you get a chance.

There was no question that I was going to bet the fight.  I wasn't going to lay 900 to win 100 though.  Instead, I opted to place a small, $100 bet on the boxing match to go the distance (i.e. all 12 rounds). 

I was at the Margarito v Pacquiao fight in Dallas, and I felt that Manny could've easily knocked out Antonio Margarito ~ but he didn't.  Based on that previous fight, I felt that Pacquiao (i.e. who seemed to be friends with Mosley) would "let" the fight go the distance.  Needless to say, I was right.

By the time Mark and I arrived at the MGM Grand and went to the sportsbook, the Lopez v Pavlik fight was off the board.  This was too bad, because I wanted to parlay my "Will go" with a Pavlik victory to increase my payout.  C'est la vie. 

I like Pavlik (i.e. who's from Youngstown, OH) and he won easily.  I was excited to see him fight "live" since he didn't end up boxing at the last fight in Dallas.

Arce won the next fight.

Finally it was time for the main event and a mini-concert.  Uber-talented Charice (i.e. I know her from watching Oprah) sang a perfect Philippine national anthem. Tyrese sang the US national anthem and Jamie Foxx sang "America the Beautiful".  LL Cool J sang "Mama Said Knock You Out" for Shane Mosley.  ****  This is the 2nd or 3rd time I've seen and heard LL Cool J perform this song live, but for obvious reasons this time it was even more hyped.  Manny Pacquiao came out towards the ring to "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. 

Highlights of the match:

1) When Pacquiao knocked down Mosley in the 3rd round.

2) When Bayless incorrectly ruled that Pacquiao was knocked down in the 10th.  ****  If you ask me, it wasn't a knockdown.  As a result of the bad call, Pacquiao came out with more fire.

In my opinion, the fight was underwhelming.  I sold all my extra tickets and made a tiny profit.  I knew I was bored when I was trying to figure out what brand my water bottle was and was trying to to hold it in the light so I could read the label.  It was a full house in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, and you could hear the crowd booing loudly.  Boxing fans wanted to see a FIGHT.  We didn't pay to see Pacquiao and Mosley touch gloves and play it safe. 

It's obvious the two pugilists have a good relationship, but the friendship was overtly obvious and reminded me of when Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson would hug and kiss before the opening tip.  I didn't want to see buddies hang out.  I paid to see a fight.  There's no question that the Margarito fight was better.

I'm happy that Mark enjoyed the fight.  I know he enjoyed it.  I'm also happy that I'll never have to pay for dental again, once he finishes school.

Oh, and it's worth mentioning that the MGM Grand Garden Arena ran out of hotdogs.  Seriously.  That's a huge mistake.

THE WIRK

Mosley v Pacquiao ~ Pictures from the weigh-in

Make no mistake.  You want me as your friend, but you're even luckier if you have me as your relative.  I look out for my people, but I do just about anything for family (i.e. and free dental for the rest of my life).  My cousin's son, Mark, graduated from the University of Florida this year and has been accepted into dental school at Columbia University.  Mark grew up boxing and when I got tickets to the Shane Mosley v Manny Pacquiao fight, I knew that if he could make it that I'd take him with me.  Sure enough.  It all worked out.

I met Mark and his friend in Las Vegas and we went to the weigh-in on Friday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.  It was a free event, but you had to get there early to have a good seat.  James Brown hosted the event and Bob Arum also said a few words.

Here are the photos.  If you don't know anything about boxing, you might have thought Mosley had a chance based on the photos. 

THE WIRK

Dear Russell Westbrook: Stop sabotaging the Thunder

I'm trying to update my blog since I've been traveling, but I just want to know one thing.

Why does Russell Westbrook think he's the star of the Oklahoma City Thunder?

Kevin Durant needs to grab Westbrook and DEMAND the final shot.  This is getting ridiculous.  NOW, Thunder fans need to grind out overtime with the team against the Memphis Grizzlies.  Terrible.

I like Westbrook, but this is getting crazy.

I'm convinced that this series just might kill my friend, Ricky...  ****  This is a picture he sent me from one of the playoff games in Oklahoma City. 

Update:  I just received a text from Ricky, who is in Memphis and it read, "Win or lose, best game ever attended".

Update:  Whew!  Let's not do that again. #Thunder defeat the #Grizzlies 133-123 after 3 overtimes.  #Thunderup

THE WIRK

Pacquiao defeated Mosley is an underwhelming fight

I was in Las Vegas over the weekend to take my cousin, Mark, to the Manny Pacquiao v Shane Mosley fight.  I will update all the details from the weigh-in and the fight tomorrow. 

Plus it was a profitable weekend in the world of sports and at the tables, so we'll recap those details as well. 

I've been travelling, it's late, and I need to sleep.

Hope you all had as great a weekend as I did!


THE WIRK

I'm an international winner ~ Stampede Casino, Calgary

After many flight issues, I finally flew to Calgary today.  On the plane, I sat in seat 13F and watched two movies (i.e.  No Strings Attached and Owning Mahowny).  Owning Mahowny stars Philip Seymour Hoffman and is based on true story of Dan Mahowny.  Mahowny is a guy from Toronto who worked in a bank and had a crazy gambling addiction.  When I got off the plane, I saw that my "tweety bird" had texted me.  That's random.  Based on all those weird events, I went to the casino and won $400 in 2 hours.  I left and planted myself in front of a TV with enough time to watch Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was a strange day, but it had "winner" written all over it from the start.  My life is goooooood.

The Stampede Casino in Calgary offers 2X odds at the craps table and a $5 minimum.  There is only one table.  Blackjack is also a $5 minimum.  Roulette is a 50 cent minimum.


THE WIRK

Sharks defeated the Red Wings 2-1 in OT ~ My visit to the Shark Tank

I'm  not about to officially add hockey to my list of sports for which I want to hit all the venues, but Friday night I ventured over to the HP Pavilion for the 1st game of the 2nd round Detroit Red Wings v San Jose Sharks NHL playoff series.  I knew going into the game that I was only going to be able to see 2 out of 3 periods because of my flight time, but I had no idea that the game would need overtime!

HP Pavilion seats 17K people, and my seat was located 2 rows behind the Detroit Red Wings' bench towards center ice.  Within the first few opening minutes, as I was eating my Dippin' Dots there was a fight towards center ice near the Sharks' bench.  I also saw Nicklas Lidstrom scored the first goal of the game for the Red Wings.  It must have been his birthday present to himself, since his actual birthday was the day before. 

The final score of the game was 2-1, and the Sharks won.  I had to run to the airport, so I missed the goals scored by Joe Pavelski and Benn Ferriero. 

I managed to take some great pictures from my seat, behind the bench at the Shark Tank.   Good times!

Game 2 is today in San Jose at 3PM ET.


THE WIRK