Love of the game

[VF21]

A new blog entry has been added:

[drupal=99]Love of the game[/drupal]

I wasn't going to watch the All-Star weekend festivities. I even had myself convinced that since there were no current Kings invited, there was no reason to watch.

But then something happened...

It's not about the Kings. It's not even about the players. It's about the future of this game I've loved for over 40 years. And if Friday night's rookie game was any indication, the game is going to be in good hands.

Yes, it was just the rookie-sophomore contest, but it was a night to celebrate the game those young men play with a love that is apparent and skills that are divinely given. The great god Naismith smiled on the likes of Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley and the rest and we, the basketball fans, are the better for it.

For one weekend it's not about rivalries, it's not about the standings, it's not about possible trades. It's about remembering the greats from Oscar Robertson and Elgin Baylor to Michael Jordan and Larry Bird and all the rest via the multitude of video clips and even classic commercials.

On Saturday it was about the 3-point shooting, the skills competition and the dunk contest. In what could easily have been an epic written by Hollywood, Superman met his kryptonite in Nate Robinson. Of course, Robinson would never have won if Dwight Howard hadn't allowed himself to be the ultimate prop but it was all part of the fun.

And then there's the game itself...

The All-Star game may be a popularity contest but it's a lot more. It's an annual reminder of what makes basketball unique and what keeps us talking about it even though our team is currently firmly entrenched in the NBA basement. It doesn't matter; we're drawn into the love of the game as evidenced by some of the best and brightest in the league today. We're drawn into the spectacular dunks, the trick shots, the special skills and all the rest that make basketball part of our lives.

And just for the record? Listening to C-Webb and Kenny Smith talk trash to the kids, it's clear the torch is being passed and will be in good hands...

I love this game.

 

[6th]

Amen!!

I love this game, as well. When I read the part about 40 years, I thought, "no this can't be." So, I did the math (needed a calculator for the big #s ). I have loved this game since I started playing it about 45 years ago. Maybe that explains why I always say, "I'm a Kings fan, win or lose." It's the game itself. I'm just one of the fortunate few who has a local team to cheer about.

Thanks for the blog, VF21. When I cheer on a cellar dweller, it helps to remember. It's the game!

 

[ZZE916]

Great post, VF. Even though the Kings may be close to unwatchable this year, the game remains. Here's to remembering the past, and looking forward to the future.