So here we are…Game 6 tonight in my newly adopted hometown of Gatewood, just a bit north of Denver proper, University of Denver, Wash Park, Bonnie Brae Park, the iconic B-Brae Ice Cream Parlor, plus the entirety of the Bonnie Brae area where my grandchildren learned to run, ride a bike, skateboard, kick a soccer ball, throw a football, hit a slapshot, and play some Mrs. Pac-Man here and there.
But most of all…the place where I was allowed to be the honored guest reader at Robert’s pre-K class in what I hope will be a prelude to some things I do with the Russell Westbrook Reading Bus in Oklahoma at some juncture moving forward.
Putting aside…Dionne Warwick, I actually did pray for Russell last night and again this morning. What I prayed for was not victory per se for the Nuggets, but for Russell to play well and to help his own legacy take a bump forward for a more positive ending.
Nikola went out on a limb for Russell and gave him this opportunity. From my perspective…I just want Russell to play well and take this to a Game 7. I want Russell to have this moment where he elevates the semmingly always snarky narratives which surround him… some of which are deserved.
That’s it. I just want the Nuggets to play at their highest level possible considering the limitations of their roster and either extend or end this series tonight in Denver.
OKC winning in no way upsets me because I truly respect the manner in which these Thunder players go about their business.
I don’t think this Game 6 is about X’s and O’s at this point…I think it’s about how much gas is left in those four guys’ hearts…Nikola, Jamal, Aaron, and C-Braun.
It is what it is. 4 on 10 basketball needs some help in Denver tonight.
Maybe I should loan Russell my No. 1 pre-game song for tonight as well. Couldn’t hurt…that’s for certain.
Be kind to one another. No shooting each tonight in Bricktown or at the airport if the Thunder advance.
MJ