By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

 

INDUBITABLY, the talk in the sports world these days was the NBA playoffs that just ended last Tuesday (May 30) that saw Miami Heat smashing arch-rival Boston Celtics in the seventh and final game of the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals, 103-84.  We watched on TV how the 17-time NBA champions Celtics after suffering three consecutive letdowns (3-0) against the three-time NBA champions Heat, came back with vengeance by also scoring three unprecedented comeback. The epic heartbreaking buzzer-beater tip in by Celtics forward Derrick White with less than a second of the game, 104-103, done at Miami’s court, leveled the championships at 3-3.

It does happen that when one suffers defeat one wants to disappear. That happened to me also during my cycling heydays. But what happened to the Heat shocked the world’s basketball fanatics, including this writer. NBA history says that no team in Eastern and Western Conferences ever won the championships after a 3-0 performance in the best-of-seven series. In fact, some basketball analysts boldly predicted that the rampaging Celtics with huge competitive spirit would make another NBA history especially since the seventh and the final game will be played at Celtics court.

But  “Expect the unexpected,” as the dictum says. That did not happen.

Showing fortitude and with parallel determination, the eight-seeded Miami Heat with half-Filipino blooded head coach Erik at the helm, I knew that the Heat would bounce back from defeat, and he had proven this many times during the league’s playoffs against Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, to name some. They did it again this season after cleverly planned, orchestrated some big adjustments after their sixth game, to successfully grab the huge victory to win the NBA’s championship. Yes, despite their unfamiliarity with the court and the thunderous cheering of the Celtics throng.

The Heat will face Western Conference champions Denver Nuggets who defeated the multi-titled Los Angeles Lakers (4-0) in the Western Conference final. It’s the Nuggets’ first time ever to reach the NBA’s championship since they entered the league 47 years ago. If, the three time titlists Miami Heat (2006, 2012 and 2013) win, it will be their fourth diadem.  I’m making this piece on June 1 so by the time you read this article, the first two or three skirmishes I believe were already done. Yes, I like the Heat to win again, because of our half-country mate who’s always proud to tell local media that he is half-Filipino every time he comes home to visit his mother (Elisa) in San Pablo City, Laguna. I’m proud of him. But honestly, I also sympathize with the Nuggets because they never won an NBA championship title for the past five decades. This year is their best and their biggest chance to seize the crown. Remember, next year will be a very different story. Let’s just wait and see.

*          *          *          *

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 JOHN 5: 20

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments