This is the only weekend that I can walk through the hotel lobby (in heels) and be considered short!! It is also the only time that I don’t have to answer the question, “do you play basketball?” I thought Houston did a great job with the all-star game this year. Although my schedule was a little on the busy side, I really enjoyed myself.
From hospital visits, to running a clinic for special Olympic athletes, I love the fact that this weekend is more than just basketball—that I have the opportunity to make a difference in these kid’s lives!! Every year the NBA host city opens a reading and learning center, which is exciting to be a part of—knowing not only that your simple interaction with these kids means a lot, but also that you are leaving something behind to make their lives better!!
Moving on to the events:
-on the way to the celebrity game Nelly tired to recruit me for his team, stating that they needed some height. Although I did not participate, I did have the opportunity to cheer for two my teammates: Becky Hammon (nwbl) and Swin Cash (wnba). At one point I felt like I was watching a bad game of noon-ball (when the old-timers get together and play pick-up at lunch). When you get to the point in the game where you are 0-everything, that’s when it’s time to get the ball to the shooter. In case you didn’t know, SHE is the teammate standing next to you that actually plays the sport for a living!!
-skills challenge was a great time, but the highlight was definitely the dunk contest. Creativity matched with ridiculous athletic ability left the crowd stunned and amazed! Props to both of the finalists—your originality definitely made this one of the best dunk contests in a long, long time.
-goooooooooooooo east!! O.k. I had to give a little shout out to my boys in the east, especially the four pistons who competed in the game. As always, the game starts a little loose, with guys show-boating their skills. Then there comes a point when the competitive side kicks in, and the game starts to heat up a little bit. Bragin’ rights for the next year are on the line—and just like you would expect when the best of the NBA competes—it came down to the wire!!
