T-M-I from T-I-M

10 thoughts on the awesome Warriors Nuggets Game 2-16-2022

10 random thoughts on seeing the Warriors Nuggets at Chase last night:

 

1. The New NBA is the old NBA but better:

 

Never let someone tell you that the play in today's NBA is nothing like the old days.

 

Having seen both versions, last night proved to me again there are a ton of elements (defense, screening, rebounds, passing) of the old NBA mixed with the new NBA (INCREDIBLE shooting, high level athleticism, movement off the ball) that make the product the best.

 

And some of the players play a lot like the classics which brings me to....

 

2. Nikola Jokic is the modern day reimagined Charles Barkley

 

Nikola Jokic is transcendent and mesmerizing to watch in person. I realized last night he is a slightly less athletic (he's way more athletic in person) and better passing version of Charles Barkley.

 

I LOVED Barkley and Jokic has his methodical back you down game to go along with a 3 point shot that's better than Barkley's. He just can't do the crazy athletic stuff Barkley used to do.

 

All I can say is if you get a chance to see him please do. He is able to angle his body, react to his defenders and see the whole court in a way that I've only seen a few do (Magic was a better version but had that court vision).

 

He initiates the break repeatedly with passes from below the bucket to half court that reminds me of the films I see of Bill Walton (who was a better passer). His half court offense passes remind me of Arvydas Sabonis.

 

It's breathtaking to watch in person. And by the way his team around him is average at best.

 

3. Jonathan Kuminga is worth the price of admission

 

Jonathan Kuminga is an athletic superhero. He is somewhat raw but way better than I thought. He's captivating to watch when he's on the court.

 

4. The Ballet of the Warriors Offense:

 

The movement of the Warriors offense in person is something to behold in person. You can't tell on TV how many simultaneous moving parts are happening to create opportunities for the offense. It's magical to see in person.

 

5. Curry the Competitor

 

Curry is still one of the most vicious competitors I've ever seen. He wants nothing more than to win when he plays. He seems like he's this happy go lucky guy (which he is) but he's a hardcore competitor.

 

6. The Modern Day Roman Coliseum...with CRAZY prices

 

The Chase Center is a spectacle unto itself. It reminds me of when they come up to the Coliseum in Gladiator.

 

It's gigantic compared to the old Oakland arena which looks like a stadium for Hickory High in Hoosiers looking back on it.

 

And somehow even though it's huge it feels somehow intimate. There's not a bad seat in the house and the jumbotron is straight out of Blade Runner it's so gigantic.

 

There were a ton of empty seats and some of those in the seats often looked like they were in a fashion shoot which was kind of a turn off for me.

 

The food/drinks, etc. are REALLY REALLY expensive. WOWZA Check your credit score before you buy munchies.

 

7. Best moment of the night (see the picture)

 

There was a REALLY sweet moment when the kids' of the Warriors all stars came on to the court. It was lovely to feel the hearts expand in the crowd because it was so unexpected. Steph's son was a bit of a challenge to get off the court.

 

8. Second best moment Buzzer Beaters

 

It was a great reminder last night how close ends of game are incredible. There were 3 lead changes in the last minute with a shot by Curry that we thought ended it followed by a 3 by Monte Morris which did end it.

 

There is nothing like watching a live buzzer beater, even when it goes against the team I'm cheering for. The emotions of thousands of people going from Curry's shot and 1 to Morris' game ender is the stuff that makes life incredible and makes sports even moreso.

 

9. Boggie is alive and well

 

I took some personal joy out of seeing Boogie Cousins play. He looks like he's legitimately trying (and still complaining). He was one of the very best during his Sacramento years and it's a little sad to see how far he's fallen and yet even in his advanced years, he's still got some of the juice that made him great.

 

10. One last random idea

 

Random thought, I told the boys last night that I believe if you took the last person on every bench in the NBA and made a team of 12 in total that team would KILL the best college team.

 

Agree?

Sgt. Tim McCarthy, a treasure of Notre Dame Football

I grew up in South Bend, Indiana and a huge part of my life was going to Notre Dame football games with my family and friends.  At these home games, big or small, winning or getting crushed, I fondly remember a particular part of the game.

Late in the game, a man named Sgt. Tim McCarthy would come over the loudspeaker and say:

““May I have your attention please? This is Tim McCarthy with the Indiana State Police.”

As a young child I remember the loud, overwhelming roar of the old Notre Dame football stadium.  The collective passion for the team and, usually, good natured dislike of the opponent (except maybe USC?) would either rise us to heights or drop us to depths.

The sadness or joy was always accompanied by a Spinal Tap type “loud” experience.

And then a moment would draw near when Sgt. McCarthy was meant to come on.  Those of us who came to games somewhat regularly, could feel it coming in spite of the noise.

And the MOMENT this man would announce himself, the ENTIRE stadium would go silent.  Somehow even the visitors understood it or were gently encouraged to listen in.  ALL of our attention turned to him.

Sgt. McCarthy would then go on to tell about a 45 second story encouraging safety around driving and often drinking (well before drinking and driving was a thing to point out).  Although that wasn’t the reason everyone was silent.

He regularly ended the announcement with a cheesy joke.  Including gems such as:

“Remember, the reason we hammer about safety is to keep you from getting nailed!”

“The automobile replaced the horse, but the driver should stay on the wagon!”

And the silence was replaced by audible laughter from probably 50% of the crowd. 

I recall the number of times my Dad would explain the joke to me.  I honestly don’t recall if he used some of the same lines every time and it actually didn’t matter. 

It was like he was the first stand-up comic I ever heard perform.  It was a sweet, connective, fun moment.

I’m convinced that an adult talking about safety was a big part of how I found security when I was so young and couldn’t always feel safe.  It was clarity.

Now I spent most of my younger years at Notre Dame football games sitting in Row 60-ish.  I generally went to the Armed Services games or the other blowouts and every game felt special.  Into my teenage years I ended up going to almost all of them.

And Sgt. McCarthy would come on and make a joke no matter the size, scope, score of the game. 

I took my daughter to the ND/Georgia game a couple years ago compliments of my dear friend Mike, the whole experience was magical.

And the moment came for him to make the announcement.  The stadium has changed, modernized and is beautiful, but different.  I had actually forgotten about that moment.

And instead of Sgt. McCarthy, I heard Muffet McGraw make the announcement.  Now I think the world of her, she was an incredible coach. 

And I felt robbed.  I don’t even know if he had relinquished the role or not at that point, but I really wanted my daughter to hear it.

Alas, that didn’t’ happen.

Sgt. McCarthy was a humble guy who was amazed at his popularity and the announcement’s. 

Now nobody else will hear him again.  Yet there is a group of my dearest, longest term friends who can still feel and hear his voice.

We can still remember the near reverent stadium wide silence. 

We can access the feeling of enjoying his silly jokes.

To me it feels innocent, it feels safe.  It felt real.  

I hope that somehow I can take what he so freely gave us and remember to bring that to people in my life today.

Article on Sgt. Tim McCarthy

Reminiscing: Going to Notre Dame games

Tonight I remembered how special the University of Note Dame's football games were.  This tiny town was host of some of the most memorable games in college football.  Of course I usually went to the blow out games but it was still so beautiful.

We'd start by parking in Red West while we ambled around usually meeting several other families for a tail gate.  The aroma of roasting meat was enchanting.  The small city just came alive when they were in town. 

I never remember feeling like I was physically threatened.  I never felt like I was not a true Domer despite not going there.  They were our team. 

We'd descend upon the stadium and you could hear the bands inside while hoards of people lined up to get in.  What I remember most about going to the game was the moment you went from being line in the tunnel to taking your first step into Notre Dame stadium.  It felt like my soul would leap to freedom as I stepped out into the stadium.  I didn't care who they were playing I just knew I was there.

Ironically I don't really remember many specific plays (outside of the oddity for example when Reggie Ho became a temporary celebrity) but I remember the names Pinkett, Browner, Beurlein, Ferguson, Brown, Ismail and too many more to name. 

I also remember the experience.  Wondering when they would come out in the green jerseys.  Checking out the blimp (a REAL LIVE blimp) in our stadium.  Sometimes it was freezing and we were like a giant family huddling together.  Sometimes it was hot and it was hard at times not to stick to the guy next to you.

There is something unspeakably magnificent about watching the game under Touchdown Jesus.  It was awesome to see the bands come onto the field (not like Cal's of course) and to see the student section alive and supporting their Irish so loyally. 

Then after the game there was of course the meeting at the car.  In South Bend, it was totally fine to let me and my little brother walk to the car and meet my parents, there just wasn't the risk there is now.  Hopefully we walked out with a pom pom or something.  Or even more exciting we slipped onto the field right after the game!

Then it was crash city in the car or vibrant discussion about minute details of the game (particularly when they lost). 

South Bend had very little to offer me.  But the Notre Dame games were unlike any other stadium I've ever visited and that was cool by me.  

MMA & One Nasty Injury

I've found myself becoming quite a fan of UFC.  I'm still not nearly as big of a fan of it as boxing but boxing just doesn't have as much to take in and even it's marquee events (like Pacquiao v. De La Hoya) don't live up to the hype.

I don't like how in a really short period of time it seems that someone can become the "world champion" in a weight class (see Brock Lesnar).  It makes me think that the difference between being good and being great is not quite as noticeable as it is in boxing which makes it sort of hard to follow.  Then again, it's not much worth following boxing now for it's "stars". 

Quick name me 5 boxers you would pay big money to see (Pacquiao, Margarito.....).

That being said MMA is not about the injuries or the blood sport.  There is legitimate, interesting technique to it (not quite the sweet science of boxing but also more complete) and the people who run the sport are interested in keeping the fighters as safe as possible.  That being said, there are injuries.

In a recent fight, Corey Hill was injured and this picture is one of the grisliest I've ever seen...ouch!  (How's this for a thoughtful post with the veiled objective of showing a gnarly picture?)  :)

James Naismith's original 13 rules of basketball

I came across an article mentioning Dr. Naismith's original 13 rules of basketball.  Apparently he was very open to adjusting the rules, thankfully.  It made me realize how powerful it can be when a visionary puts out an idea but is open to (and even encourages) it's evolution.

Can you imagine a game with Kobe, Shaq, KG, etc. using these rules?  Pretty laughable (although if the NBA were looking to have fun, maybe one night they could have a pre-season "throw back" game and throw it all the way back to a game under the original 13 rules, it would be fun!).

1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.

    

2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands (never with the fist).

    

3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it, allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed if he tries to stop.

    

4. The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it.

    

5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking in any way the person of an opponent shall be allowed; the first infringement of this rule by any player shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made, or, if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the whole of the game, no substitute allowed.

    

6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of Rules 3,4, and such as described in Rule 5.

    

7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count a goal for the opponents (consecutive means without the opponents in the mean time making a foul).

    

8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edges, and the opponent moves the basket, it shall count as a goal.

    

9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field of play by the person first touching it. In case of a dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The thrower-in is allowed five seconds; if he holds it longer, it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on that side.

    

10. The umpire shall be judge of the men and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have been made. He shall have power to disqualify men according to Rule 5.

     

11. The referee shall be judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made, and keep account of the goals with any other duties that are usually performed by a referee.

     

12. The time shall be two 15-minute halves, with five minutes' rest between.

     

13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In case of a draw, the game may, by agreement of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.

Barry Bonds indicted

I guess it's not very surprising that Barry Bonds has been indicted for perjury in the steroids case.  It's one of those things, it seems, that is at the point where people have long since accepted that he did it, it's just a matter of whether you cared that he did or not.

I don't really care actually, everyone was doing it.  I'm not sure how I feel about how special it was to see Bonds hit #754 with my daughter.  I bet she'll remember it and now we'll have to talk about why he's a cheater (I'd be shocked if he got out of this without some form of an admission of guilt if not a guilty verdict, but believe me if OJ had a dream team, Barry is going to have an ecstatic, it's not possible was I actually just flying with a bunch of hot chicks type dream team).

I think to a certain extent it gives more credibility to what Mark Ecko did with the ball from #755. 

One thing that I think is interesting to consider is when he's busted (and he will be busted) will his fall from grace be more significant than Ron Mexico (aka Michael Vick)?  I think for some reason the public holds baseball with a higher degree of sanctity than football, look at how Pete Rose is a virtual outcast in  many circles.

Then again to fall from grace, you have to be on some type of pedestal and it's been a long time since Barry's been there.  Other than SF, people feel pretty negatively about him.

I'm sure he couldn't have done it but wouldn't it have been nice if he just would have admitted from the very beginning that he did? 

Too late, sorry Barry, you may soon be trading in your orange and black uniform #25 for an orange uniform with a whole lot more numbers on it real soon.

Mark Ecko puts the fate of the Barry Bonds ball in our hands

I'm sorry, but life is just fantastic sometimes.  Fashion designer Mark Ecko plunked down $750k to buy the Barry Bonds baseball.  Without even seeing it, he put up a website that will enable us to determine what the fate of the ball will be.  (I voted to asterisk it and send it to the Hall.)

I guess he's kind of a prankster so he may not actually send the ball to any of the three options and he's just interested in what people think, but I still think it's great.  He's having fun with it and I'm happy about that.

God bless our inner children that help us have fun!

Rick Reilly shares another GREAT story

Every once in a while I forget it but nearly every time I run into one of his columns I remember it, Rick Reilly is hands down the best sportswriter out there.  He is insightful and on point.  I love his Riffs of Reilly on SI.com and also love it when, now and again, SI.com features a story of his (you can always find him bringing up the rear in SI and usually end up laughing or crying your rear end off).

This time he writes a deeply touching story about Korinne Shroyer who committed suicide and then became a life saver because of it.  The pain the parents feel jumps off the page.  I have no idea what I would do if something like that happened to Zoe. 

I also happened to find a webpage devoted to the story of Len Geiger whose life was saved by Korinne and her parents' actions.

He just picks good stuff to cover and now and again I feel downright blessed to be alive at a time when someone like him is writing.  It's awesome!!

Call me childish, I think this is hilarious!

A few Davidson High students took the time to pull off a hilarious prank on a group of Darby students.  Apparently there have been suspensions and banishments handed out and lots of politically correct bantering about being more mature.

Perhaps the Darby students and parents and the Davidson principal could:

1. Not take themselves so damn seriously
2. Smarten up just a bit
3. Recognize the tremendous attention to detail it took to pull it off and realize the 3 students who led the deal have some very marketable skills

Eventually, they will re-channel them into other avenues I would think.  In the meantime, I'll be stoked if they move onto college and step up their prank games.  I mean really, think about it, do you honestly think that anyone was hurt by this?  Who knows maybe it might be hard to talk about it with a youngster, I suppose I could see that.

But in the end, I just think it was funny.

The Michael Vick Indictment

It's undeniably grisly.  And he's innocent until proven guilty.

One piece of the indictment is really troubling:

In or about March 2003, VICK retrieved a book bag from a vehicle containing approximately $23,000 in cash.  The cash was provided by C.W. #2 for winning both dog fight matches.

That one seems pretty straightforward.  With something like that it would seem like the next logical issue is basically, is C.W. #2 lying or not?

Because if he isn't, that's pretty darn clear evidence.  I suppose it would have to be corroborated to hold up in court.

I guess one of the keys is what possible motivation C.W. #2 would have for lying about it.  By admitting this it's obvious that the witness admits their own involvement in the dog fighting so who knows, maybe it's a way for him or her to cop a plea.

Regardless, there are enough witnesses and sufficient stories to suggest that at a minimum, Michael Vick doesn't appear to have been entirely truthful about his involvement in the dog fighting.

Personally, I think dog fighting is sad and couldn't see myself wanting to see it.  Of course, I grew up on Country Club Lane (literally...).  More and more I'm just not surprised to learn that certain things I consider to be horrifying are normal to others, it's a product of their upbringing.

And, frankly, if I grew up thinking it was okay, I would probably be an adult who thinks it's okay.  I don't judge any of the individuals involved with it.  I disagree with it and think it should be stopped and the individuals should be punished if they are guilty, even though punishment isn't the most effective answer in my book.  (I can already hear those of you that are saying "Sometimes punishment is the only thing that will get through to people like this"  maybe you're right, I don't know)

But I don't think they are bad people, they are a product of their conditioning and dealing with that conditioning is the way, I think to achieve meaningful, lasting change.