It may have been short, but series was special

Yeah, I know.

It’s late.

So sue me, life will be back to normal soon enough.

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Of course everyone wanted more and the end was anti-climatic and there was something of an empty feeling when it all was over because we all wanted more but what the heck.

That was delightful and competitive (except the second half last night) and when the dust settles and the sober light of day dawns, I think there are a few things we can all agree on:

The best team won.

LeBron James is a once-in-a-lifetime talent.

The Oklahoma City Thunder cemented their reputation as everyone’s favourite or second-favourite team. Yes, the stories today will focus, rightfully so, on the Heat and what the championship means to them but in defeat the Thunder may have grown even more.

Throughout the series, guys like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and James Harden and coach Scott Brooks – the faces of the franchise, trotted out every night to explain what had just happened – comported themselves with dignity and honour and class and there is no feeling other than respect for them today.

They didn’t whine about the officiating, they didn’t use their youth as an excuse or a crutch, they were dignified in defeat and, at times, wondrous on the court.

The easiest thing to say is that their time will come, that this was just part of the inevitable journey because that’s how the game works, you bide your time and take your lumps and come back to fight another day.

But easy isn’t always correct and doesn’t always happen.

And the Thunder knows it.

Nothing is guaranteed in this or any other sport, things happen to derail what’s seen as likely, injuries happen, skills stagnate, other teams get better.

To see Durant on the podium after the game was to see a guy who knew that, too, and it made the hurt even harder to handle.

“It hurts, it hurts, man,” was what Durant said.

One thing that did come through, however, is that the Thunder realizes it’s going to take as much work to get back as it did to get here the first time and the over-riding thought having watched them is that they will do whatever it takes. Brooks harped on it incessantly during the series – his team is mature beyond its years, the players work hard every day because they know to stagnate is to take a step back – and it was entirely believable.

I like that Thunder team, I love their ability and I appreciate their professionalism and dedication.

Nothing is given and maybe this is a one-time thing but the sneaking suspicion is that OKC will do whatever it takes because it seems to be in their DNA.

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I think there aren’t too many better ways to finish a road season than sitting on a stool with a Stella and a wing and a couple of good friends (although I’m pretty sure the comely barkeep’s idea of saying goodbye and congrats with a shot of Goldschlager wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done) even if the 3 a.m. last call was a tad late.

And if you can hear this on the jukebox, it’s all the better.

(If you ever get to Miami and can find Mike’s on the ninth floor of a condo, tell ‘em I said hi.)

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Mail?

I have no idea when I’ll get to it, there’s a mid-afternoon flight and I’m pretty sure a night on the couch awaits but let’s get some more and I’ll get it done.

You know the drill.

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Speaking of that flight, it’s direct to Toronto and that’s fine and dandy but I was kind of hoping for a weekend adventure.

To Houston.

Yeah, I would have been able to avoid a weekend in Oklahoma City if we had to go back because plans were in place for a quick visit to Houston to see Lithuania play Great Britain and to hang with Jonas Valanciunas for a bit.

The Lithuanians are there on their way to Venezuela for the final Olympic qualification tournament and it would have been fun but it had to be cost-neutral and got quashed when the Heat won.

I need home time more than I need an extra two nights on the road if there’s no real reason to go.

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Now, I don’t know what the scene was like on South Beach or anywhere cool and I certainly wasn’t about to stay out late and find out but I will say this:

The folks in the part of Miami I was in celebrated peacefully but joyfully and it really was something to see.

Folks hanging out of car windows and standing in convertibles with traffic going nowhere, singing and screaming, Meringue music beating, pots and pans being hammered and, really, good clean fun.

You know, kind of like Yonge Street after a first-round pucks playoff game win, only a bit louder.

And it only took us about 30 minutes to make what’s normally a five-minute drive.

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Okay, what do we do now?

Oh, right.

Draft.

Free agency.

Summer league.

Olympics.

Yeah, guess it’s not going to be so quiet after all.

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You know what I don’t care a whit about?

People in Cleveland.

Whiners.

Look, LeBron James gave them seven years and took them to the Finals, he made all kinds of money for all kinds of people, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert got himself a couple of Ohio casinos thanks in part to his ownership of the Cavs.

James never bad-mouthed the city, he tried to do his best when he was there and after seven years – an eternity in any pro sports these days – he exercised his right and when to look to play elsewhere.

Big whoop.

Too bad.

Get over it.

Really.

Sure, I can understand short team feelings of disappointment after the greatest athlete the city’s ever seen or produced jilted you but, really, time to move on.

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Okay, time to pack, find out if I have to write today and then get on to the first slow day in what seems like a very long time.

Then we’ll really start talking draft.

Promise.

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Comments

[sam]

The finals unfolded pretty much like I thought they would. The only real difference is how badly Thunder were outscored in third quarter.
I have a question about one play last night. I was a little distracted (half a sleep)and didn't get the story - LBJ has the ball and he's going to the basket - he throws a shoulder into the chest of Derek Fisher, who seems to be standing still with his arms up, knocking him back a few steps - The next thing I see is James at the free throw line -
What did I miss?
Congrats to the HEAT, especially our beloved former HOTH - Would have been nice to see him win it in a Raptors jersey -
Safe Travels Doug

Blogger's note: Blown call on a foul; no big deal

[larry lukeeborg]

doug, does the nba still use an all-leather basketball? i recall the controversy a few years ago when it wanted to switch to a composite ball...

Blogger's note: Yes

[Peter]

What I loved the most about watching last night. As soon as the game was done, the entire Thunder team went over to the Heat bench to congratulate guys. No walking off, no avoiding everything. But they went over and congratulated the Heat. That was classy. Durant went over, said his congrats, did the right thing, then got into the tunnel, saw his parents, and began to cry. He didn't have to congratulate all those players, but he did, and his team did. That's why I love OKC. They do things the right way.

[Steve]

"LBJ has the ball and he's going to the basket - he throws a shoulder into the chest of Derek Fisher, who seems to be standing still with his arms up, knocking him back a few steps"

@sam, There was some movement from both of them "throwing" their shoulders, but it was really just the normal bracing you would expect when an unstoppable force is about to meet an immovable object.

The referees discussed and called it a flagrant-1 on the floor, which when you watch the replay is crap - should have just been a normal foul one way or the other on the floor (no shots, and no possession) - but unfortunately they can't call time and review plays that are called flagrant-1s on the floor, only flagrant-2s.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

A very worthy and game opponent, but the best team saved its best for last. Congratulations to the Heat! There's now no elephant in the room for any team in the league (the Thunder didn't set themselves up for massive disappointment; they've already gotten to the dance ahead of schedule).
Thank you, Doug, for another 366 days and nights, and then a little more 'when you weren't busy', to keep us all so very much informed and entertained. Your work ethic, and your work ethics, are both phenomenal. Sincerely. Thank you!
Cheers. Go BCo! The ball's in your court now, dude.

Blogger's note: Appreciate it very much

[Moshigh]

@ Peter agree that was classy. Im not sure why people laughed at Bosh last year for falling and cying or any other athletic who gets to with in a smell of what they work so hard for basically everyday. The just to see it snatched away by someone else.

Doug well said about the Cleveland fans or community. I know many guys who made road trips to Cleveland just to see Lebron play. Other wise they would be not making that journey.
Now the same thing should be said to Raptors fan who keep knocking Chris Bosh. The guy made the flippn right move by signing with Miami (He won a championship).. and no he didnt ride the coat tails of Lebron and Wade, he was a major part of the championships.

So when he comes to Toronto and you selfish people Booo him for really no reason, ill be laughing at you.

[jb]

Great series.
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I hope OKC will be able to keep Harden and Ibaka, they will be going to the finals for long time.
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We can finally move on from the Lebron is a choker nonsense and just enjoy him for what he is...a generational talent.
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Finally Spoelstra will never have to hear about Phil Jackson or Riley taking over his job.

[Rob.V]

I must say the presentation of the Larry O'Brien is somewhat feeble isn't it?.
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The NBA should look at how they present (any) finals trophy's in Europe (maybe Soccer) and follow their lead. Even the under 19 Basketball championship with JV had more excitement when the winning team raised the trophy.
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I think this happens because in the NBA they announce the Finals MVP "after" Stern congratulates the NBA champion, and in a team game this probably should be reversed.
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If we're talking the highest level of Basketball on the biggest stage in the world, then you should give out the Finals MVP trophy first... followed by a bigger presentation (with the entire team) where the raising of the Larry O'brien actually means something.
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Maybe it's just me however it seems as though most of the attention goes to a couple of players rather than the winning team. The format jusst seems weak and lackluster right now.
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And on this subject, when the commissioner retires do they rename the finals trophy to the David Stern?

[kent]

This is exactly why you shouldn't do a post mortem write-up for a team until it actually loses, like you did two weeks ago on June 7th:

"And I’m thinking the very first change should be at the very top, where Pat Riley needs to find someone to come in and do some general manager’s duties because.... frankly, he’s failed at almost every turn."

Save this paragraph, delete Pat Riley, and use it on the GM who has won exactly ZERO playoff series in 6 years.

[james]

We watched him grow up and he clearly made the right decision. How neat that he was able to overcome an injury to do this. Congratulations to Chris Bosh.
"Thank you ... and happy birthday!" -- Mama Cass, Maple Leaf Gardens, July 1st, 1967, acknowledging the applause after the band's first number.

[Mike D.]

Thank goodness we have all this Finals distraction out of the way and can refocus on the Raptors' draft and free agency pursuits.

Doug, is there an article or post coming on yesterday's ACC workout that included Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones III, Terrence Jones and John Henson? I can't avoid the feeling that in the right situation, one of those first two could be a "dang, where did THAT guy come from?" draft bargain.

Blogger's note: I'll need to talk to people before I can write anything and this is a weekend of partial decompression

[Phil A]

I want to give a big shout out to Chris Bosh on winning his first ring. I still believe that he is one of the most consistent players in the league. You always know what you will get from him and it showed during these playoffs. He was a key contributor to the Heat all year long. With all that being said, I really wish that he never left Toronto...

[JHK]

They say Nash is down to 3 teams: Raps, Suns and Blazers (close to Vancouver).
What is your honest opinion on Nash coming here?
He'll make immediate impact obviously but the long run?

[Angelo]

Is it just me or does OKC need just 2 pieces to win it all next year, Steve Nash and Andrea Bargnani, holding onto KD, RW and Serge..

[LakeSimcoe]

If anybody care, there were some hockey "stars", who are too used to hide their faces under hamlet, lain their $@#% on LJ's "toughness" at the end of game 4.

[Tim]

One other thing I think we can all agree on: somewhere, the "Good job! Good effort!" kid is smiling today.

[multiplex]

One must remember, if you are a real Toronto Raptors fan, you will always boo Chris Bosh. Because Chris Bosh is not a Raptor, so should get booed. He is also a big loser of multiple questionable viewpoints an orientations.