#BasketballDiaries THE WAVE OF WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

The #BasketballDiaries is a new feature inspired by the Leonardo DiCaprio film of the same name, offering a more personal approach to the game. 

Everyone Watches Women's Sports. Just like the 18,700,000 who tuned into the NCAA finals to see record breaker and next week's for sure first pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, Caitlin Clark's UCONN battle with another GOAT in the making in Dawn Staley's South Carolina Gamecocks. Just a few weeks ago, this writer made the hour plus trek from Yokohama, to Chiba, Japan (sympathizing even more with his ex-girlfriend's mutual dedication to our past relationship), to catch the ENEOS Sunflowers W League team bloom on any given Sunday, before the seasonal Spring Sakura started to blossom. Unfortunately, upon arrival at the arena, the game was sold out. Was I annoyed? Only at those who would say, "should have booked ahead". Have you tried doing this in Japanese at convenience stores, or the men's equivalent of the "mendokusai" B-League booking process? Otherwise, I was overjoyed this sport, and the women's game especially, had no more room at the inn.

Yet, following the stars before it was too late, I knew I had to get in before everything fell away like pink petals next week. So this time, I did book ahead...and was almost late for work in the application process. But that's OK. I'm the kind of guy who arrives in Tokyo two hours before my start time, so I'm not late. Crazy, I know. But all a writer needs is a memo and Starbucks. This time, after rimming out on my previous attempt at the W League, I was graced with practically courtside seats to two games. In the playoffs no less. An experience I've never had before, and I used to travel to the States just to watch the NBA...and see the sights, of course. Sure, because of a series being settled the day and game before, two became one like a Spice Girls song (I guess I'm destined to never grow with the Sunflowers), but that hardly mattered. Especially as the mesmerizing monolith of the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza in the quiet and quaint Chofu was literally across the road from the sensational stadium where Tokyo FC play. For more on that, follow my fellow teacher and good friend who was there the day before Tokyo Fox on X for his brilliant blog work. More blossom than a 90s sitcom kept us who were unaware of the schedule change (Chofu is quite far from Yokohama, too) entertained. As high as our smartphone batteries were low.

The 'Loved W League' showed how much heart was in this nation's better side of basketball. From "kawaiiiiii" mascots on a classic court for this Keio line fixture, to Red Wave big Aki Fujimoto showing us one of the most fundamental free-throw techniques we've ever witnessed off-hand. But in this semi-final third leg decider where the Fujitsu Red Wave beat the Sakura out of the courageous Chanson Cosmetics V-Magic in pink, you knew who the real star of the showcase before the All Star game was, despite this being an X and O purist's dream of a team effort. Holding up the peace sign endearingly after beating everyone, except the more dominant than the dream, Team USA women's side, hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Rui Machida made her name known like her fellow first namesake Rui Hachimura for the Lakers in Ohtani's city. And now Shohei's wife Mamiko Tanaka has retired from the Red Wave, it's Machida's time to shine. Rui even played in the WNBA last year for the Washington Mystics. And in this game and season, she showed she still belongs there, putting on a clinic and orchestrating the offence to a maverick win conducted by this pocket dynamo of a maestro. But that W's loss is this one gain. Just like what the great Japanese game of baseball would be like if their best ever like Ruth came home to roost. Rui's 14 points, 11 assists and steal (along with another sweet 16 from Saki Hayashi and Yuki Miyazawa and a team-high 18 from Joshua Nfonnovong Temitope in a balanced attack) paced the Wave to a 93-72 blowout over the Magic and their first Finals appearance in two calendars. Get ready. The Red shirts are coming. And this Wave on the court canvas is a perfect picture of the game as art like Hokusai. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

#BasketballDiaries - EXCELLENT BASKETBALL IN YOKOHAMA

The #BasketballDiaries is a new feature inspired by the Leonardo DiCaprio film of the same name, offering a more personal approach to the game. 

Japanese basketball is more than just the great Rui Hachimura and Yuta Watanabe raising the flag and making their names in downtown Los Angeles and Phoenix, respectively. You only had to watch last summer's FIBA World Cup, partly held on the island of Okinawa, to see that. The Japanese national team booked their place to this year's Paris Olympics. And they did so without Rui. Yuta was there, but a lot of it had to do with a guy from Yokohama called Yuki, too. 

That pocket dynamo by the last name of Kawamura plays for Kanagawa's Yokohama B-Corsairs. A B-League team (previously named the BJ League, until, well...you know). A great side rivalling neighbouring Tokyo's Alvark and the Shibuya Sun Rockers (featuring former Los Angeles Laker Ryan Kelly), who bring their water wet jumpers to a swimming pool they play in.

Down in the B3 League and playing a few blocks away from baseball's BayStars' Yokohama Stadium, in the Yokohama Budokan (a gymnasium like Tokyo's Nippon Budokan who we caught jazz icon Norah Jones in, in concert a year and change ago), is the Yokohama Excellence (like the name? Then you should check out the Tokyo Earth Friends for your environmentally friendly pick). A team that plays in green like the Boston Celtics and sells merchandise like a storied side.

Featuring two kawaiiiiiii mascots named Pick (who lightly touched my shoulder as he passed, it was a nice moment) and Roll like Stockton and Malone, the Excellence bring it. Whether it's from their infectious chants on both sides of the court, or the cool player introductions that begin amongst the fans in the stands.

Just a fraction of the price I paid to see the Knicks earlier this month in New York (you win a few more games and suddenly your cheapest ticket is a couple of hundred dollars?!). For just under 5000 yen (around 25 dollars or pounds) you can practically sit courtside. In practically touching distance of not just the mascot, but the player's bench too (don't get any ideas, guy who ran up on LeBron). Hearing plays called and fouls. Not to mention the sound of a smack on hardwood, a scream, and then a cry of, "I barely touched him".

The blood on several of the players, who walked off at numerous times, said different. As did the stitches that you get so close to being applied you can almost hold the thread. Sure, the so-called Excellence got rinsed by the visiting Kagoshima Rebnise, as they tried to keep it under 40 like guys my age to no avail. But this scrappy affair was as passionate as it comes on court. Basketball is brutal and beautiful, and this is my pick for you to roll with the next time you're in town. Excellent. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

TV REVIEW: BIG SHOT - Season 2

 

3.5/5

A Second Shot. 

10 Episodes. Starring: John Stamos, Jessalyn Gilsig, Sophia Mitri Schloss, Nell Verlaque, Tiana Le, Tisha Eve Custodio, Cricket Wampler, Sara Echeagaray & Yvette Nicole Brown. Created By: David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey & Brad Garrett. 

Hey, Mr. 'Big Shot'! How about another season? 80's sitcom All-star John Stamos took his biggest and best shot yet when he saved his new Disney + basketball show from the elimination rounds of streaming service cancellation. So says his interview with the LA Times. And now, betting the full house on it, 'Big Shot' is back in what feels like a shorter off-season than the NBA's return to regular programming after the Bubble. Built for this position of a coach climbing out of controversy like Pacino was born to play worn out cops, Stamos' Coach Korn (no relation to the band, but definitely playing with heavy metal when he throws chairs at referees like errant passes) has seemingly been on the floor more than King LeBron James, taking his courtside throne. But here, he's playing with a different Westbrook in California, as this second half of Disney's basketball team is good enough for a big season 3. 

Ring the sirens, Mickey. Because this is another great Hollywood take on a tale of hoops hoopla in a year of 'Hustle' and more documentaries that show Netflix's 'Last Dance' was anything but. Disney + getting in on the throwbacks 'Like Mike' (and 'Like Mike 2'), all whilst bringing their own original content that like the steps of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers 'Rise' to the NBA, from being young God's in Greece, to champions in their own coliseum. This, though, is inspiring like their classic, true story of the 'Glory Road' to the first all-black college starting-five taking on and beating the legendary University of Kentucky, with Pat Riley. Stamos, promising another year like the legacy of Riles at a Showtime victory parade, is bound to rile up the sexist haters, but it's winning time for those who run the world now. She got game and in a battle of the sexes with the boys to see who will become Billie Jean King, like the WNBA, it's here to play and stay.

DNP-CD, even with Disney + 'Prom Pact' star Monique Green missing in action off the roster and many more graduating before this season is out, this team is still deeper than the Pacific Ocean that surrounds it like Palisades. Especially with rookie of the year and actual real YouTube star Sara Echeagaray as a volleyball prodigy set to spike the team like it was prom punch. How's the great game of Nell Verlaque going to deal with this now her Shaq has a Kobe and love interests spark more potential feuds than Madonna did the Mavericks, Kidd? The family drama continues with standout Sophia Mitri Schloss, who reveals even more talent in her school bag and Girl Dad dynamics. But it's the assistance of the great Jessalyn Gilsig moving from the shadows of the sidelines to a prime position which seasons this second series getting series like clutching at crunch time in the fourth. 

The 'Community' of David E. Kelley, Dean Lorey and Brad Garrett's show headed in principal by the legendary Yvette Nicole Brown and her classic comebacks is 1 through 15. From Tisha Eve Custodio's mighty mouse to Cricket Wampler's wonderful sweet soul. But the heart of this show like an unsung hero of an x-factor has always been Tiana Le. Last year she took us to the hill of her one family tree. This adds even more branches as the team of sisters makes their way through the brackets like the madness of the third month of the calendar. Parent traps and episodes dubbed '17 Candles' keep the flame lit on a season, Stamos says this takes inspiration from the great Bob Saget. Think of this like a love play-book to him like a 'Fuller House' that reminds you of the golden age of inoffensive, but inspiring great American sitcoms. But it's the tackling of the wildfires and that constant crisis in California that will steal your heart and tears before the last drawn up play. Saved by the buzzer, this shot is the biggest score yet. Count it. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Rise', 'Hustle', 'Hang Time'. 

MOVIE REVIEW: SPACE JAM-A NEW LEGACY

 

4/5

Welcome Back To The Space Jam.

115 Mins. Starring: LeBron James, Bugs Bunny, Don Cheadle, Khris Davis, Sonequa Martin-Green, Cedric Joe, Jeff Bergman, Eric Bauza, Nneka Ogwumike, Diana Taurasi, Damian Lillard, Anthony Davis & Zendaya. Director: Malcolm D. Lee. 

Fly like an eagle once again, but this time on the wings of a King. You don't have to believe anymore. 'Space Jam's' 'New Legacy' hits 'em high for your Basketball Jones. Even if critics are calling this like Skip Bayless. Trust me, they hated the first cult classic and when it comes to kid movies and fun for the whole family, you don't have to go off the opinions of old, balding white men. So ladies and gentlemen, here's my review. 'Space Jam-A New Legacy' is a slam dunk of funk and fun. Passing 'Black Widow' in the box office top ten like James does NBA greats in the record books on a weekly basis. Or one better, even like a signature alley from Dwayne with a wink to the way of Wade. Haters will scoff at the meta line about basketball stars playing around with acting. But they really don't get it. And did they forget about Los Angeles Lakers, Hollywood royalty stealing the show from his two A-list teammates, comedy gold greats Amy Schumer and Bill Hader (who couldn't back him down) like Alex Caruso (had to get the GOAT in here somehow)? This sophomore sour pusses want to slump is far from a 'Trainwreck'. Now sure, if you put this 'New Legacy' up against the outstanding original 'Space Jam' then just like the GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan (when it comes to a Larry Bird like big God disguised cameo you'll be screaming, "is this your King", or MJ), there really is no contest in this 'Last Dance'. Although one thing 'Bron does beat MJ at is the ace acting (although we can't get over Mike's, "baldy" reaction). This is our jam. No matter who claims it as space junk. They say it's a commercial cash grab flaunting Warner Bros works. I say this 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' franchise updated with a 3D, CG digital 'Ready Player One' upgrade for the livestream age is a celebration of cinema. Just like when from board to video game, the 'Jumanji' reboot took it to the next level. If that aforementioned adaptation was a epic Easter Egg hunt, then why isn't this? The only crime here is that they didn't ask for Bill Murray's assistance (or Wayne Knight...he can take a charge like he can Dilophosaurus spit). Or perhaps he turned them down in order of another 'Garfield'. 

This cat can ball man like the King playing Prince. Word to the late, great Charlie Murphy for this Hollywood story as funny as Chappelle (and how about that "game...blouses" reference?). Flipping the script, this time the basketball star needs Bugs' help to win a high-stakes game against the Al G algorithm of War Machine Avenger Don Cheadle with a digitized voice box (think Jamie Foxx as Electro in 'The Amazing Spider-Man 2') who is a real Marvel. The player who once played 'The GOAT', Earl Manigault, having fabulous fun with HBO, taking it to the Max this month after 'No Sudden Move' with Benicio del Toro and Steven Soderbergh for the best 'Traffic' of his thespian and blockbuster career. Side-kicked by the cute Microsoft pop-up paper-clip like assistant (remember how annoying that was my King aged millennials?) that looks like it took a wrong turn down the rabbit hole from Foxx's Pixar 'Soul'. Those hulking Monstars are gone. The powers given back to NBA legends Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Larry 'Grandmama' Johnson, Muggsy Bogues and...erm...Shawn Bradley (I didn't see him touch that ball again). This time the Goon Squad that faces off against the tuned up Tune Squad in a vibrant vibe of a new jersey like the Basquiat Brooklyn Nets down the Subway features some of basketballs best in a fantasy league of their own fits. Sister Spark from Los Angeles Nneka Ogwumike makes the team, even if they want to criminally leave her off the Olympic or All Star one. GOAT Diana Taurasi as the 'White Mamba' like the late, great Kobe dubbed her. The Splash Brother Klay Thompson a literal Human Torch with added fireman buckets. The Dame Time of Damian Lillard as actual clockwork. And even LeBron's Laker champion teammate Anthony Davis flying like an eagle with the seal of his trademark unibrow. Add the motion capture of Harlem Globetrotter Tammy Brawner as Bugs Bunny for all the carrots and this tells you all you need to know. Get her Globies a seat at the NBA table, for this iconic team like the Looney Tunes that has the world on a string like the ball. I thought I even saw a Jared Dudley, but it turned out to be Elmer Fudd in a headband. 

"What in 'The Matrix' hell" is this? LeBron dodging bullets like balls. Donning a Rodman like hairstyle as a 'Mad Max' mohawk. Playing it again Sam like an instant replay in a 'Casablanca' suit. Classic! From the Night King's of 'Game Of Thrones' to the wizarding world of Harry Potter (yes, the King is a Hufflepuff) all of Warners brothers and sisters get to come out to play with the Iron Giant and King Kong watching courtside (put them in, coach). From Flinstones to Gremlins. Mystery Machines and Batmobiles. Even 'The Mandalorian' star Rosario Dawson gets to reprise her vocal 'Wonder Woman' role for the eden of this amazon. One amazing animated moment sees the carrot and the crown, Bugs and 'Bron play Batman and Robin like Dr. Dre and Eminem in a "holy above the rim like NBA Jam, 'Bronman" moment in a DC Universe. We could roll call more, but then we would spoil all this show has in store from all Bugs boys have in their draw in rival relation to Mickey's Disney that used to play like SEGA vs Nintendo. All before the Magic Kingdom left the Roadrunner in their dust like Super Mario did Sonic in a classic hare vs the tortoise fable. No need to clutch your lucky rabbits foot however as the gangs all here, back in action. Many voiced by the legendary Jeff Bergman or Eric Bauza. From Daffy Duck's playing coach with enough lisping sideline saliva to slick back Miami Heat legendary leader Pat Riley's signature styled Brylcreem Barnet, to the plays he calls to shoot the ball for the films funniest moment. To a more real and relevant Lola Bunny stealing the show once again like an errant pass. This time with more meaning played by MJ (Spider-Man's MJ) and 'The Greatest Showman' Zendaya. This is her. And this is how Lola Bunny should be. Add Sylvester spitting out a Tweetie Pie that's with you when you get dunked on and this team is complete like Porky Pig's last line. Or the lyrics to go that he has here. Stuttering and notoriously mic dropping a rap battle that turns this hardwood 8 miles long. Chickens, martians and things hairier than bears (oh my) join the lion King. And let's not forget a speedy mouse running the break, or a Grandma that could even dunk on the legend of Larry Johnson ("Whoa!"), even if she does like a Bond martini at halftime before she shakes things up. You'll have a devil of a time watching this like Taz. Like all the humans joining in on this suitable for all gathering that even makes 'The Wizard Of Oz's' Dorothy feel at home. Tap your red sneakers together. Amongst so many classic cameos from real TNT to 'Uncle Drew' teammates that we won't halftime report we have a star of the future like Bronny James in Cedric Joe giving us a preview of history in the making of parent and son holding court together in a beautiful fathertime moment. I'm not crying, 'Bron's crying. Add a childhood best friend in Khris Davis like a hilarious Maverick Carter for this shop and the 'Discovery' of this next gen 'Star Trek' star Sonequa Martin-Green as Mrs. James offering more motivation courtside than a coach and this family connection calls plays 'Fast and Furious' like Vin Diesel, Dom. All so all in all, hands in, 'The Best Man', 'Girls Trip' and 'Night School' director Malcolm D. Lee can run a picket fence with 'Black Panther' and 'Creed' producer Ryan Coogler that goes old school on everyone's butt for this standalone sequel that stands on its own two Nikes. And what a signature set fit for a King. After all these years and rumoured Tiger Woods or Tony Hawk ('Skate Jam'?) sport 'Space' sequels we know who the throne belongs to. The Chosen One posterizes this stunning sequel. Crowning it in 23 carrot gold. Jordan to James. This 'Space Jam' 'Legacy' is legend. Th-th-th-that's all folks! TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Space Jam (1996)', 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?', 'Ready Player One.' 

#CourtsideColumn KING SURVIVES WARRIORS IN THE PLAY-IN

 

King's Ransom.

Let's be clear.

The skin of their behinds.

That's what the Lakers escaped the play-in in LA by.

From now on they just have to do better if the defending champions want to at least look like they could go back-to-back like Magic delivering on a Pat Riley promise ("yeah...YEAH!").

The seventh seed in the 2021 Playoffs faced off like Cage did Travolta against the eighth, Golden State in this classic California clash of champs. There was no chumps in this contest which really does make for a perfect Playoff precursor. Hate the play-in, or love it. But down 13, the Lakers first-half statistics for one of many of their big-three combinations (James, Davis and Dennis Schröder) looked like the percentage of a jock who didn't swot for his test.

14.3%

Meanwhile everyone's favorite for MVP not playing in Philly, New York or Colorado was putting on a clinic.

Forget "Steph Curry with the shot" boy. It was almost more like the forthcoming free agent the Lakers would love with the upset.

Splashing everything like he was back on his side of the Pacific across the Golden Gate, number 30 had everyone believing again in this former dynasty. Rocking those Oakland jerseys like his rookie year and the time Baron Davis dunked on Dirk and gave Oak Town a Playoff preview of the hope to come in contention.

This team knows all about upsets. You could see it on Anthony Davis' enraged face as Draymond Green had the clamps on him. Putting one of Hollywood's Supermen in the phone booth.

If the Warriors had Klay today they would have dubbed this "over". In a Chick Hearn refrigerator. They didn't even need Durant, but when (more like if) this Hollywood team meets a super one of KD, Kyrie, James Harden and more it could all be a closed door.

With 37 points the leagues scoring champion Curry was scorching hot with the shot, but it was Canadian Andrew Wiggins who really stepped up on this big stage with 21 points off many hard fought plays. Even though the Warriors are now going home after Ja Morant and Memphis said "thank you very much" , Stephen is still your MVP and Wig is no one to write off anymore.

This Warriors team is still nice. Even this Laker fan is thinking Steph stays this Summer. Despite hoping for the opposite.

No matter. The King did his best Chef impression in the waning seconds for those who say he isn't clutch. Hitting a rainbow beautiful, 34 foot three over the greatest of all-time from downtown himself to ice the game with 58.2 to go. Squeezing past as 103 to 100 was all she wrote, following a botched inbounds pass from former Laker Kent Bazemore which Bradley Beal we're sure loved to see.

LB with the clutch 3 J from the 'e' of the STAPLES Center logo may have started colder than the ice around Montrezl Harrell's neck (so much hustle and energy. The heart of this team), but he ended up with a triple-double like Westbrook with, 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his sixth of the season.

Never underestimate the heart of a champion.

Even AD was on the way in the end. The big-man scoring 13 of his 24 in the fourth and final quarter.

Unlucky for Dray and the Dubs.

Against the Warriors the Lake Show was the walking wounded. Especially 'Bron with a bum ankle and a poked eye. But he out all that to the sky with his dagger that even plunged the clouds for rain.

The bear was poked in the eye and a regal lion roared in return.

This will be in the highlight package of one of the GOAT's greatest moments.

“After the finger to the eye, I was seeing three rims and shot at the middle one. By grace, I was able to knock it down,” the Chosen One told all the Zoomed press microphones post game. That sounds like some Larry Bird stuff. Look it up. This long sword from the King like Arthur was his longest make of the season and any go ahead shot in the final 3 minutes of any game he's ever played.

Not bad for a man that along with his dynamic duo partner Davis went 3 for 19 in the first half.

Three lead changes and five ties marked a thriller of a fourth as Alex Caruso had 14 and Schröder stepped up in the end with 12. With the Lakers now booked into the Western Conference Playoffs they must ensure they are firing on all cylinders in The Valley. They face a scorching hot Phoenix Suns led by Devin Booker, who's Florida Bubble still hasn't burst, big Deandre Ayton and James' old friend Chris Paul.

If the Lakers want to stand this heat they better throw the kitchen sink at them. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

#TheLeBronSeries KING JAMES VERSION

The Basketball Bible.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY 

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth". Genesis 1:1.

August 23rd, 1978. Kobe Bryant is born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the rest is hallowed, hardwood, hoops history. January 26, 2020. He tragically dies along with his daughter Gianna and several other friends and their family, and the rest of this year is just misery. December 30th, 1984. LeBron James is born in The Land. Monday the 5th October. Today. Tonight. Right now as we speak. Up 2-1 in the NBA Finals. Now let's see if they can be all about the 4-1 like Glen Rice, or every other series in their Western Conference reign. The kid from Akron has the chance to win the Lakers 17th championship in his 17th year all for Kobe. 23 for 24.

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Peter 5:8.

"Lakers sweep Heat". The headlines of the Los Angeles Times won't read that no more, but that doesn't mean it's over. "You're in trouble", LeBron told Jimmy Butler in the first quarter. Buckets told the King the same thing in the fourth once the Heat cooled off the talents of a man who used to take it to South Beach. Just like when playground GOAT, Earl Manigualt responded to Wilt Chamberlain's, "welcome to the big leagues schoolboy" dunk taunt at the Rucker (as played by NBA legend and 'Uncut Gems' star Kevin Garnett in 'Rebound' starring Don Cheadle as 'Gault) by saying after hitting the big shot that iced the game in New York, "welcome to Harlem...motherf#####!" Now we have a series! Now we have a Finals. But still, I wouldn't bet against the LeBron James, like I said I wouldn't bet against Kobe Bryant. Especially when the King is doing it for the Black Mamba in the snakeskin he designed for the city with GiGi's number 2. All in for L.A. Doing it for what the graffiti reads on the highway like all those magnificent murals. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

"Chosen One" carried on his back in everlasting ink. "What we do in life" and "echoes in eternity" bared on each arm where he carries the word he throws up to the heavens like chalk. Chosen like the Sports Illustrated cover (the first of libraries worth) back in high school where he was given the biblical nickname by royal appointment. 17 years and change ago. When this 35 year old like me was just a kid. When he had a 'fro like Kobe, before he started to lose it all like yours truly. But look at what he's kept. The will and skill of the greatest of all-time. Not even M.J. had it like this at 35. His 'Last Dance' was already swan sung years ago. And as we read his and Kobe's former coach Phil Jackson's 'Sacred Hoops' memoir for the NBA Finals like 'The Last Season' autobiography from the man who won 'Eleven Rings' searching for a soul. During the finals, LeBron (who constantly reads 'The Godfather' to stay motivated as The Don) continues to "chop wood and carry water" like an ancient Indian proverb as he dances with wolves (or former ones) like Kevin Costner in his hardwood field of dreams. Its all about the work. If you build it they will come. And if you work it will be done. 

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." Proverbs 3:5. 

Bulldozer bullying his way to the rim like a sledgehammer. He won't be denied like a wrecking ball or someone taking your lunch money. Running through defenders like it was open season on the floor of a fast break. Twisting the night away like Sam Cooke. Bobbing, weaving and duking it out before dunking like an Ali pugilist in turning out the light and getting in bed before the bulb goes off. All before pumping and flexing under the basket like an Air Canada chopper. Goodnight! Now how's that for a flashbulb moment? Appreciate it whilst the divine light is still upon you. It won't be here forever as we are caught up in his hoops rapture, as basketball beautiful as a halo he enters like heaven. Spin cycle rinsing you and repeating until the uniforms are washed in the blood. Jesus is King and he walks with LeBron like Kanye. The red hat just reads different on the players entrance in Florida's Bubble like the tunnel. Make America...arrest the cops that killed Breonna Taylor. Say her name. Say her name. SAY HER NAME! 

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22.

So why all the God damned hate?! No wonder he treats his press conferences with the Mamba Mentality mood Kobe did. Like Kevin Durant once said, "Erykah Badu is thicker than a Kindergarten Cray..." ah wait, wrong quote. "I don't trust none of y'all." What's with all these Twitter takes from sofa athletes who only share a hairline with LeBron...and not like the real GOAT, Alex Caruso? We are witnessing like it was all written in scripture one of the greatest this game or world has ever seen and we're throwing stones at something so divine? Is that really are intervention or intention? Is that really inspiration? What about his influence? Building schools and hopefully learning from his Hong Kong error. But we want to throw rocks at the throne like a Witness billboard because after losing one game we say he's done and coming down even after all he's won? You seen the amount of Finals he's been in since the last decade? And now you want to talk about the number he's won? This man has been making milestones every night like a Miles Davis album in this game that went from jazz to the boom bap of hip-hop in all its free flow. Just like this young King went from the Statue of Liberty dunks he held like the book of Basketball, to the castle building downtown shots he puts up like a quarterback. Throwing the big pass to his big man as LeBron James and Anthony Davis become the next Wilt and West, Magic and Kareem, Shaq and Kobe. The new Big Game James worthy of a cigar and clap. Banner and retired jersey. Put 'em up! 

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Matthew 7:7. 

The time is now. To do what's right and to do what under the light seems like destiny. It's been a truly terrible calendar like LeBron tells us when we lose the Black Mamba and the Black Panther in the same year. And it aint over yet. COVID-19 is still infecting 2020 when we were supposed to roar back like a DiCaprio Gatsby, once upon a time in Hollywood. But still we shout Black Lives Matter through the streets through masks, because there's something that matters more than our lives...the lives of others being persecuted by police brutality with the only finality being there mortality. No sentence for the ones who pulled the trigger or dug a knee. Just death for their victims. And they had a problem with Kap taking a knee?! Well this captain linking arms with his team is about to take it all back and win it all for his friend. Like a Hollywood ending, but one down south against his former Miami Heat in the Florida he took his talents to. Homecourt advantage to South Beach? Nah this is Kings court now. And Disney couldn't come up with a better avenger, star wars story in their world (word to the Warner Brothers 'Space Jam' too like Mike. That's all folks like an AD tee), even if they hold all the superheroes and iconic characters to marvel at. Not this one. Not 23. All for 24, infinite like 8. Wrapped around the ball and Spalding spinning world watching like a coiled snake. It's all meant to be and you're all about to see. Witness. Chapter and verse. Because right now we can't get closer to God than this. 

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13.

SUE BIRD Feature - IS IT A BIRD?

 

Like A Bird.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Glove fitting to Seattle as fellow Point God, Gary Payton was to the (save our) Sonics. As legendary as Larry when it comes to the name on the back of her jersey (and say the name of the other one under her number, until they arrest the cops). Better GOAT. Better GOAT. Right now, right now like Haim you are witnessing two greatest of all times in the Finals at the same time for the Bubbling WNBA and NBA champion deciders. The King and this Queen against the chips of the Las Vegas Aces, playing for all the cards. How lucky we are. What a time to be alive even in the worst year of our lives that took Kobe and GiGi and then gave us COVID-19 and even more cruel police brutality. But still Black Lives Matter like they always will beyond a trend or this year end. Just like the worth of womens work that is never "get back in the kitchen" like those told to "shut up and dribble" will never just stick to sports. And why should they Donald? Now when it comes to this woman in hoops after her ring part three album, looking to go fourth with the force, her legend is already certified. Engraved in the history books. All under the name, Sue Bird. Read all about it like a game changing SLAM cover. In Style as the new generation, power couple of this new world with World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe in celebration like a Statue of Liberty. Like justice for all. Better GOAT. Better GOAT. Part of the two best players this game has ever seen...regardless of gender. From the days of Lisa Leslie to the new Spark of Hollywood Defensive Player Of The Year, Candace Parker. Still at an all elite, All Star level pushing 40 with the Mercury rising of MVP Diana Taurasi with that screaming Mamba Mentality. All for what could have been with GiGi. But the Most Valuable Player isn't here right now trying to knock down Las Vegas' house of cards in the Florida Bubble. Instead it's the legend and the legacy making superstar Breanna Stewart doing it for Breonna Taylor. Say her name.

Stewie and Suey. The best dynamic duo in basketball, inside and out not called LeBron James and Anthony Davis. A legendary one, two punch like Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. You see that picture of the pair of them looking bored during a Bubble blowout. They are just that good at making you look bad. And they could Ace Las Vegas like Venus or Serena serve. Now how about this for a backhand? They say the women's game is not the same. They're right. It's something else. Now head-to-head for a double header with the NBA like brother and sister you can see for yourself. It's no sibling rivalry. They're doing this together. Side-by-side, just as well. And just as good. The talent levels the same. The Florida project for a league that lead the world in corona response and the sisterhood that started the sports march for social justice like Maya Moore walking away from the game she loved like we all do. The Bubble hasn't burst. Stick a fork in it all you like but it'll never be done. Don't wait until Thanksgiving to be thankful. The season will be over then, but the parade maybe not. It will run this town, round and round like their son Macklemore pulling that camel 'Downtown'. The city of Seattle deserves this last dance this weekend. Joe Budden and others think this place needs a Basketball team again. Stewie will tweet and tell you they already have one. The best one. Sure the Sonics have a championship banner in their old Key Arena from 1979. But the Storm have reigned with two more recent ones. It's their house now. And guess whose holding the keys? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it's Sue Bird. Who needs Superman when you have Wonder Woman?

Tossing salads and scrambling eggs like 'Frasier', Sue Bird has been stirring the pot since the days of Cafe Nervosa. But "it's all for the playoffs, not the payoffs" like Niles Crane said after Dame time draining from half court like WAP (put this guy on your celebrity Dream Team with Bill Murray and Michael Scott, 30 For 30). The state of Washington is still in a good one when it comes to Basketball...even if the White House in D.C. disagrees. Needling like the Space tower one, illuminated in electric bleeding, neon green for this team with her pocket passes, Bird flys like Nelly Furtado. Like the man that once played with the Space Needle on his chest fitting like a glove. Or the green day of a Celtic that shares that same surname and downtown game in Beantown. For all the grinds. From the UCONN college days with Taurasi, to winning gold medals for Team USA like her partner and then going against each other, GOAT for GOAT. Better for better. From 1st overall in 2002, to still number one in 2020. Wikipedia tells us the Israeli-American with a pure point prototype frame of reference has played for three teams in Russia, during the Summer WNBA players usually can't take off anyway (until the CBA had something to say about their salaries. Changing the game again), not just in corona cancelling games. Not to mention held a front office position for the Denver Nuggets with her best in the association basketball IQ. But right now like Jamal Murray she's mining more. The record books she keeps ripping and rewriting read into that way. You have to hand it to her for becoming second all-time in assists too. Now how's that for some Bird feed? Wait for the gold stonecutter. It's coming like the Storm. I hope you've got your umbrellas handy like the academy, because it's about to reign.