First off, thank both teams for giving me such a great series to cover in what otherwise was a very weak NBA conference semi-final round. It’s been a joy for me to have this opportunity on okcthunderground.com. This is why you start your own NBA basketball blog.
I mean, when you really think about it …this is the first serious playoff round the Thunder have participated in as a relevant contender since that fateful conference final series versus Golden State in 2016. Almost a decade ago…think about that as you settle in this afternoon. Maybe last year versus Dallas approached that status for some, but not really when you objectively gauge how weak the Thunder were on physicality and rim protection on their interior defense.
Defense wins championships….don’t ever forget that axiom in team sports.
I’ll be clear…I like and respect both teams, but my basketball heart is with these Denver Nuggets. When I was at my lowest point physically and emotionally in the early stage of my Stage 4 cancer journey…it was this group of guys who made me smile and gave my heart some hope during their championship journey. I’ll never forget the championship parade in Denver on Father’s Day week-end. It still brings a tear to my eye.
These Nuggets have further galvanized that warm feeling of basketball love with their refusal to give up even through the injuries to Jamal, Michael, and now Aaron. Add to the fact their coach and general manager were both fired with three games left in the regular season.
These guys have never surrendered… never quit. And never just said, “Piss on it…let’s go hit the golf course or the lake or whatever.” Instead, they’ve hung in there with interim Coach David Adelman and have given him everything and more they have left in their collective tanks.
Common NBA basketball sense would tell you the Thunder should win the game this afternoon.
But there are those rare occasions when a dogged heart shared by a group of guys can overcome conventional expectations. That in essence..is what makes team sports such a great thing and an inspiration to all us to work harder and stick with it in our own daily lives.
That being said, don’t give up.
I have no idea if this is one of those days. I hope it is.
That’s why we play the game.
Enjoy the game.
MJ