 Monday, May 14, 2007
"I wish the Nets were already in Brooklyn."
I uttered the comment in the subject line to Linda and Sara while we were at the Brooklyn Pig Roast in DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) on Saturday afternoon. I am grateful that I didn't say it too loud as to avoid a beat down from NIMBYites (Not In My Back Yard) opposed to construction of the new stadium for the Brooklyn Nets. 
The "Brooklyn" Nets would have saved me schlepping out to the swamps of Jersey to watch the Nets host King Lebron James and the Cavaliers. To watch the pre-game intro, I was flashed back to Cirque du Soleil with all the pyro that the Nets flashed for their faithful.
The Nets are down 2-0 after losing in Cleveland to start the series. To get back in the series, the Nets needed to get off to a quick start and did. Jason Kidd hits a couple of three point shots. Nets led 14-4 at the 7:11 mark. Cleveland came back but the Nets lead 22-15 at the end of the first quarter.
Timeouts featured great cameos from bigtime Nets fans like James Gandofini. For a guy who has been mistaken for Mr. Soprano by Americans, Brasilians, Dominicans, and even Italians, you better root for the Nets or else. Capiche?
The Cavs take their first lead, 38-37, with about three minutes left. Vince Carter jogs past my location in the 23rd row. He winces as he holds his left shoulder with about a minute remaining in the third quarter. At half, the Nets lead 45-43.
Not all fans rooted for the Nets. There were quite a few Cavs fans. While the crowd would chant "Defense", a guy in front of me changed "Offense". His wishes didn't come true as the Nets expanded their lead to 73-64 at the end of the third quarter.
Lebron hits a three to close the lead to 77-73 with 9:46.
I hate thundersticks that the Nets gave out before the game but love the Nets dancers pictured below.
After a back court violation with 8:26 left, the Nets still lead 77-73. The Cavs must have been distracted by the Nets dancers.
Jason Kidd grabs a rebound, throws a football pass to Vince Carter who slammed it home. The was the straw that broke the camels back. During a TV time, the PA system blares out, "I don't want to work". The "Cheers" crew starts playing "We Will Rock You" on the main screen while a spotlight highlights a kid hitting on his plastic cans with drums. WWE superstar Mick Foley is then shown on the screen.
With a 13 point lead with 2:59 left, WNBC's Bruce Beck heads for the exit. Beat the traffic, eh Bruce? Of course, I stay until the end to watch the crowd give a standing ovation to Jason Kidd who in now in second place on the NBA playoff triple double list with 11. Jason only trails Magic Johnson who I was privileged to meet in Los Angeles in July 1991.
The Nets substitute in their reserves and seal the 96-85 victory.
Posted by the Tank reporting live from the Continental Airlines Arena in the swamps of Jersey.
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