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Whether You Like It Or Not… They Won
NBA World Champions- The Miami Heat
Yesterday in the beautiful city of Miami there was a celebration fit for a king and his royal court. Escorted by their faithful families and cheered on by their loyal townspeople, the Miami Heat took the streets of the city during a parade filled with laughter, cheers, pictures, some tears and of course the traditional wave. Many can agree that it has been a long road to a championship for this team.
It all began in the summer of 2010 when Lebron James announced that he would be taking his talents to South Beach. This decision ultimately made him and his team the villains of the NBA. If you were not a Heat fan, then you hated them, there was no in between. At their “introduction/welcome” ceremony Mr. James made a statement that guaranteed the city of Miami more than one ring in the near future, I believe that he went all the way to claim 6 or seven by the time he finished his speech. Some called it immature, others called it cocky but nonetheless King James had his mind made up, he would win championships in the city of Miami.
For the remainder of the 2010-2011 basketball season the Miami Heat received a world-wind of criticism from basketball fans, the media and fellow athletes. It was said that James took the easy way out to a ring, that he was cocky, that the whole team was cocky, that Chris Bosh was soft, that Wade gave his team up to Lebron, and that the entire team did not deserve a ring. That was the short version, if you have been keeping up with basketball then you know how bad the team got it, if not just imagine being bullied but being called the bully in public.
At the end of the 2010-2011 regular season the Miami Heat made it to the NBA Finals after only playing as a team for less than a year. Again, if you were a Heat fan you were excited, if not you were angry, especially if the Heat beat your team on the way to the Finals. (*cough cough* Celtics). But something kind of sad happened, the Miami Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks allowing them to win their first Championship in franchise history. All of the Miami Heat haters around the world rejoiced and Mark Cuban popped bottles while throwing around large amounts of money in Miami, ultimate disrespect.
It got worse, Lebron was officially not “clutch” at all and therefore the media and popular sports analyst (Skip Bayless) had a field day. Lebron James was put down in every way possible. The world seemed to feel as though him losing justified “The Decision” made in 2010 was a bad one.
Micky Arison, Pat Rielly and Eric Spoelstra basking in the win.
But like true champions do, the team took the off season to redefine their game. Lebron James found a way to utilize his size and speed to dominate from almost every area of the court practicing with Hakeem Olajuwon during the off season. Wade and Lebron became Batman and Superman, no more Batman and Robin, Chris Bosh let go of that fear of being great, he embraced his earned role within this team and Coach Spoelstra found a way to get the most out of each and every player on the team.
After a lockout that had every NBA fan up in arms ended, the Miami Heat faced the team that ended their dreams last year and beat them by 11 points to begin the 2011-2012 Nba season. This season was anything but an easy one for the team as a whole and an even tougher one for its superstar James, now one of the most hated players in the league and the butt of every joke imaginable. The Heat finished the regular season #2 in the East with a 46-20 record. Many believed that this team would not make it out of the east, or maybe they did believe but didn’t want to admit it? The Knicks didn’t give them any trouble but the Indiana Pacers felt as though they needed to prove themselves; Pacers went up 2-1 on the Heat and enjoyed their brief spotlight by talking mounds of trash only to lose the next 3 games sending the Heat to the Eastern Conference Finals.
It was now time to face who it seemed to be their Eastern Conference rivals, The Boston Celtics. This series would go on to be one always remembered. The Heat went down to the Celtics 3-2 and were to face them in Boston for a game 6, all believed that hope was lost and that Lebron James would have to wait another year to pursue a ring. Coach Spo was criticized for being out coached by Doc Rivers while Wade was bashed for being slow during the games. Some would say that the Miami Heat were extinguished but King James had other plans. Lebron James decided then and there that this was indeed his time, it was Heat time; he then transformed into the supernatural player that we all knew him to be, with a black almost scary look on his face, King James took over in game 6 with Wade and lead the Heat to a 98-79 victory. They went on to win game 7 at home which earned them a place in the NBA finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Four more wins, that was all the Miami Heat needed to make their season worth it all, all of the pain, tears, criticism, and jokes. But game 1 came around and a young Kevin Durant showed up and showed out, handing the Heat its first and last lost in the NBA Finals. The Miami Heat went on the win the next four games, winning the championship in Miami during game 5. Lebron James was crowned MVP of the finals and Kevin Durant gave him props just like a good sport would be expected to do.
It was time, it is done ladies and gentlemen, haters and fans, the Miami Heat are your 2012 NBA champions. Lebron James, the most scrutinized player in the league, finally got his ring. And let us not forget that Juwon Howard, the vet of the team and a member of the Fab Five is the only one of the Fab Five to win an NBA championship. Credit for this championship goes to the whole team: Battier and Mike Miller made it rain from the 3-point line, Mario Chalmers took all of the verbal abuse on the court while making his presence known on the scoreboard, Chris Bosh defended his house, Wade played like Wade, Norris Cole was the rookie that played like he belonged, Udonis Haslem was more than good (memorable flagrant foul against the Pacers), Lebron James dominated from all angles, Coach Spo and Pat Riley kept faith in their guys and even Pittman played a major role (check out the Pacers series).
Many have to admit that this team earned their trophy, only few can present a note worthy argument but they too will be politely quieted, for it is written.. They win.
The Miami Heat Win.
My First But Definitely Not Last NABJ Convention Recap
I was quite official #Nabj12
So I finally did it, I attended a National Association of Black Journalist Convention! I say finally because this is something that I should have done a long time ago. So this is how it all went down:
Wednesday 6/20 12am-
We pulled up to the Civic Center Marta station after riding around for a day trying to find it…. we were about to board the infamous Megabus. Yes…. I took the bus to good ol’ New Orleans. This seemed like a great idea, it was affordable ($30 round trip) and I knew that a lot of other people heading to the convention would also be on my bus, so why not?
So I walk up to the bus and I see a less fortunate version of Derek J loading the luggage. I see him
Jemele Hill and I! #Nabj12
weighing luggage and sending some people home to unpack and come back with lighter bags… my stomach dropped because I mean really… who has time to unpack and re-pack? He picked up my bag and I passed the test, I then tried to hand him my other bag and he looked at me like I was the dumbest person alive… so I turned around and just got on the bus.
The bus was very cold but comfortable at the end of the day. The bus driver on the other hand was out of control. His name was Phenomenal and he had been having a very bad day. He got on the bus and was extremely rude, I felt verbally abused. Phenomenal said things like: “Don’t piss on my floor” and “Yall gon learn today” Phenomenal had a full set of nails, eyeliner, and a horrible attitude. Phenomenal pulled over on the side of highway 85 and cussed my friend Brittany Geneva out for taking a picture and using the flash button. Phenomenal was everything BUT Phenomenal. Smh
Wednesday 6/20 7am
We have been friends since the 6th grade. Jerry Askin and I #Nabj12
We arrived in New Orleans safe, sound and an hour early because our bus driver was going well above and beyond the speed limit. Today is the first day of convention so we head to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for our respective sessions. Sike…. the hotel says nope… you all cannot check in. Okay so we are thinking maybe in an hour or so they will let us in our room… nope… their system shut down. So basically no one could check in until it was up which left us wondering around looking bus-rider-like for about 4 hours. Lucky us, my roomies and I were allowed to freshen up and change in the AABJ presidents room (Tenisha) and head to our 1pm sessions.
I attended the “Branding U: Student Edition” session but had to leave early to finally check into my room. The session seemed to be pretty interesting at the beginning, it discussed the basics of social media, good for students.
Our room was cute… a good size for four girls to say the least.
Wednesday 6pm
The roommates and I went down to the welcome reception with VP Joe Biden. He gave his political speech, it was great and he made some valid points.
Nicole Lyons, First African American Female Race car driver, and myself!
That night we went to Bourbon Street of course, #Nabj12 had officially begun!
The rest of my trip in bullets:
Thursday 6/21
- I am an aspiring sports journalist so naturally I attended the Sports Task Mentor Breakfast. I had a great time and met some great people. I sat at the table with two journalist wanting to write about sports, like myself, who had drive dripping from their pores (deep right). I also sat with a Marketing Manager from Espn who was awesome enough to introduce me to Jemele Hill who happened to be standing behind me in the breakfast buffet line. She was so cool and we talked after the program which was great by the way. Stan Verrett, Michael Smith and Keith Reed along with Jemele Hill said a lot of inspirational things on the panel. Good stuff.
- I went to another Branding Session, this one featured Bomani Jones. Bomani is kind of hilarious in a… you don’t know if he’s being mean, funny, or just real type of way. More or less he said some real things during the entire convention.
- I then attended a program about jobs behind the lens of sports moderated by Rashan Ali. Very informative. Also I must add that meeting Rashan Ali was pretty cool considering that I have listened to her on the radio in Atlanta forever.
- Disney parks had an event that night and guess who saaaaannggg, Ruben Studdard; and he still sounds amazing. Also Cupid, the guy from the Cupid Shuffle song showed up and actually sand the song while we did the dance that goes along with it…. that was… different.
- The most amazing thing happened Thursday night… The Miami Heat won championship #2 and Lebron James won his first ring. It was a beautiful thing….. I absolutely love the game.
Brittany Geneva and myself posing at the reception featuring VP Joe Biden
Friday 6/22
- This was my career fair day, I visited numerous booths and talked to so many people. I got some new ideas and was truly inspired. Visiting the ESPN section and learning more about the new Aspire channel had to be the two highlights of my time at the fair. Oh and I met a black female NASCAR driver…. super cool!
- I then attended a program discussing Title IX and its 40th anniversary. Awesome stuff.
- Later that evening I attended an Espn Reception at the W which was pretty cool. I met Otto Strong among others who said some pretty great things. #S/o to the recruiter that felt like I deserved that invite, you are much appreciated!
- The Sports Pioneer Awards Ceremony was next on my list of things to attend and I must say that it was a pretty beautiful thing. A lot of… pioneers were honored, one being the coach of the Brooklyn Nets, Avery Johnson. Very Cool.
- And of course we attended the Sports Task Scholarship Jam which was #boss to say the least. It was held at The House of Blues and the DJ went in the whole night. Fun and almost weird thing about this party was seeing people that you were networking with earlier at the party getting super loose… I loved it.
We met Anthony Anderson! #Nabj12
Saturday 6/23
- Sigh…. This was my last day at #Nabj12
- One of the best panels that attended was “New Media, Old Problems”. The issue of lack of black writers on popular sports sites was discussed. Craziest thing I heard from someone on the panel was “Black people don’t read”, and yes a black man said this. He was sitting in a room full of educated journalist and he felt that it was okay to throw that horrible generalization out there. He then followed up that statement by saying, ” I don’t want to talk about the lack of drive that young black journalist have”. Okay sir….. I’m glad that I’m not easily discouraged… seriously. This in turn sparked a very interesting debate about the hustle and when working for free just doesn’t cut it after a certain amount of time, #RealStuff
- For the rest of the day I checked out the film “Beast of a Southern Wild”, attended the Sports Task Force Meeting and got a chance to talk to Rob Parker about black women covering Baseball, and I went to the Orlando Nabj13 kickoff party.
Now before we left the good city of New Orleans we had to visit Bourbon Street one more time. Unfortunately it was complete chaos Saturday night and no I did not expect it. We ran into three fights, one so horrific I almost shed a tear. We witnessed Police on horses chasing the wrong person and treating him like a convict while the actual suspect got away and we had to listen to a man yell at everyone in Arbys as we waited on our last meal in New Orleans… What a night.
WHEW…. That was a lot but this was my first conference so I want to remember every piece if it…. honestly I left a lot out.
Adios New Orleans…. Orlando next year! #Nabj13
#NABJ12 was a life changing experience, I learned a lot, made a lot of connections, met some great people, made some new friends and I got that extra push that I needed to truly pursue this as a career. A journalist, of course but Sports… that’s what I want to write and talk about. Meeting so many people doing what I want to do or aspiring just like me was just wonderful.
Orlando 2013….. I’m there deep in my career ready to learn even more 🙂
NBA Playoffs… So Far.. My Take
The first round of the playoffs has been very interesting to say the least.. so far. Teams like Miami, Oklahoma City, Indiana and San Antonio have already moved on to the next round, triumphing over their opponent. In the next couple of days, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and the LA Clippers look to close out this first round by beating their opponents in game 6.
Derrick Rose out with a torn ACL
This first round has been full of dramatics and injuries.
Two Things:
The Bulls lost a not so healthy Derrick Rose to a torn ACL that happened at the END of game one, the Bulls were destined to win with or without him on the court. The lost put a trip in their step, which explains why they are down 3-2 against the 8th Eastern Conference seed, the Sixers. The Bulls face elimination tonight, yes the number 1 seed faces elimination tonight. Poor Rose…
Amare Stoudemire took his anger out on a fire extinguisher after a game 2 lost against the Heat
The Knicks are an even sadder story, seriously. Their whole season has been a complete rollercoaster ride, and it ended last night with them falling 4-1 to the Miami Heat. The Knicks began the season after being swept in the 2011 playoffs with a new member in Carmelo Anthony. This season didn’t start of fantastic, but then something amazing happened…. Linsanity bounced into the Garden and woke it up! Jeremy Lin played great, without Carmelo on the court, when Carmelo came back things did get a little rocky. Nonetheless, he was a great addition to the team. And then it happened.. on March 24th Jeremy Lin got hurt. An MRI showed a meniscus tear in his left knee which put him out for the rest of the regular season and the 1st round of the playoffs. Sad story, but the kid has a lot of time to be great in this league. The Knicks made it to the playoffs through thick and thin. Sadly they lost their awesome rookie Iman Shumpert to a torn ACL after the 1st game. BUT… they managed to win one game, one more than last year. To add to the rollercoaster, Amare Stoudemire had to sit out in the 3rd game of the playoffs… why… because we was angry after a game two lost and decided to punch a fire extinguisher case and cut his hand…. You HAVE to be more careful smh. See you in October Knicks….
Any who…
The Orlando Magic, what else can really be said? They lost to the Indiana Pacers, their star player did not play for various reasons and we honestly don’t know what will happen with the team next year. Dwight how do you really feel? Are you really hurt? Or did you not play because of your disgust for your coach? Sigh…
Yep, this happened. Metta World Peace is serving his sentence now.
The Denver Nuggets have avoided elimination thus far, some say that the Lakers are losing games on purpose to get Ron Artest back for their match against Oklahoma City. SN: Ron Artest… Metta World Peace is suspended for basically elbow punching James Harden (OKC) on the side of the head after a play. But will the Lakers really go to a game 7 with the Nuggets? Doubt it.
Can the ATLANTA HAWKS win tonight? The world wants to know… I can’t tell you. The team is too inconsistent for me to even guess.
OKC… beast mode….
The Spurs play THE most boring basketball… but they win games… welp
That’s all I have for now…. this frist round has me kind of like O_o.
Adios.. until Round 2!
Skip Bayless and Flies I DO Despise
John Edward Bayless II, better known as Skip Bayless is a sports journalist, television personality and known bad mouth of professional athletes. You all have probably seen him on ESPN’s First Take and 1st &10. Skip is known to have VERY strong opinions about not only the play of game… but specifically athletes. I cannot stand this man, the constant verbal abuse that he serves up daily is offensive to the art of sport… to deep right? His opinions rarely make sense, he is a professional groupie and a master hater. And yes, of course I personally feel some type of way because of his constant abuse of my favorite basketball player, Lebron James. Skip has led the media in making this man look like nothing, Lebron can do nothing right in his eyes and if he does do something right, DWade did it for him. CRAZY! Then he jumps on the back of my favorite football player Tim Tebow and rides the wagon all the way to the Jets. Skip even had the nerve to say that Tebow and James should not be friends because Tebow is a winner and James is not….. Ok Skip. Well… Kevin Durant, star forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder, seemed to have had enough of Skip Bayless and his mouth. Skip had been saying some pretty discouraging things about Durant’s teammate Russell Westbrook and Durant
Skip Bayless targets many athletes, Ocho Cinco is among many who have addressed the sports journalist.
responded: “That guy doesn’t know a thing about basketball… I’ll stick up for all my guys especially against a guy that i have never seen at an NBA game before..” Right on Mr. Durant, right on! As far as Westbrook goes, okay he could do better but who can’t do better?? Let these men play the game, learn and adjust. The constant talk from Skip is not needed nor appreciated. I know that Skip Bayless in considered a journalist and that many people actually value his opinion, but I will NEVER understand why. The issue is, the more he talks, the more people react, and the bigger he becomes… I await his retire like a child waiting on Christmas morning at 11pm that eve! Skip Bayless and Flies.. I do despise.
Why Do You STILL Hate Lebron James?
On July 8, 2010, Lebron James announced to the world that he would be taking his talents to South Beach: 
Ok…..
It is the beginning of March….. the year 2012… I have to ask and evaluate: WHY do You STILL Hate Lebron Raymone James?
Reasons that I have heard/read:
1. The decision episode was too much
2. He is cocky, very arrogant
3. He is too hyped up by the league.
4. His hairline is receding (what?)
I’m sorry but these are all ridiculous… and i’ll tell you why:
You may say that the decision episode was too much for television, you may believe that the publicity was just too much. I’m sorry, but if you believe that the NBA and ESPN did not suggest and cater to such a production to boost their ratings, then you may not be too smart. Of course Lebron had some type of say so, but believe that the NBA is a money game, they produce what gets your attention and regardless, whether you “liked” it or not, you watched, everybody got paid… boom. So that reason is void, it happened.. suck it up.
So Lebron is arrogant and cocky… can we assume this because of personal experiences, something specific that he said or because of what the media has made him out to be time and time again? Many of you will refer to this comment made by James at a press conference last year:
“All the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day, they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems they had today. I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do with me and my family and be happy with that. They can get a few days or a few months or whatever the case may be on being happy about not only myself, but the Miami Heat not accomplishing their goal. But they have to get back to the real world at some point.”
The media took this quote and ran with it, calling him arrogant, cocky and saying that he was shoving his money in all of our faces; and you ate it up….. He now becomes the villain..
In reality, all actuality… that may have been the realist statement of the season. At the end of the day, you can hate him all day long, you can hate the heat and always want them to lose but when you turn off the television, you are still just you, living your life… so chill basically. This doesn’t make him cocky… this hurts your feelings because it’s real.
Is he really too hyped up by the league? Does that really matter? No he is not too hyped up, he just has a personality so people like to talk about him more so than a Derrick Rose who has one facial expression.. ever. Yes it does matter, apparently, that he is “too” hyped up but that won’t change anytime soon and even though you want it to be his fault… it’s not.
As far as his hairline goes… balding at an early age is hereditary, and he’s not ready to cut it all off yet so let him live.
So I still have the same question, because all of the reasons that I have gotten/ heard/ read make no sense. Not only do you hate Lebron James but you also hate the Miami Heat and want them to lose….every game… ever…
Somebody tell me why… I’ll be waiting
Heat’s James, Lakers’ Bryant named Players of the Week
Because Fans LOVE to compare…. check this out…for kicks and giggles
(NBA.com) The Miami Heat’s LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Jan. 2, through Sunday, Jan. 8.
James averaged 31.0 points on .607 shooting from the field, to go along with 9.3 assists, 7.3 rebounds and 1.33 steals. James’ 33-point, 13-assist double-double keyed Miami’s largest win of the week, a 118-83 victory over Indiana on Jan. 4.
Bryant guided the Lakers to a 3-1 week, including wins over Houston, Golden State and Memphis. Bryant’s 33.0 point average led the league, and he added 6.3 assists while playing a team-high 38.0 minutes. Bryant, who eclipsed the 30-point plateau in three of the Lakers’ four games, tallied a season-high 39 points on 13-of-28 shooting during a 97-90 win over the Warriors on Jan. 6.
Here is a recap of the week for James and Bryant:
LeBron James, Miami Heat 
Jan. 2 vs. Atlanta: Recorded 28 points, seven rebounds and six assists in a 100-92 loss to Atlanta.
Jan. 4 vs. Indiana: Tallied 33 points, 13 assists, eight rebounds and two steals in a 118-83 win over the Pacers.
Jan. 7 @ New Jersey: Posted 32 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and two steals in a 101-90 win over the Nets.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Jan. 3 vs. Houston: Tallied 37 points, eight rebounds and six assists in a 108-99 win over the Rockets.
Jan. 6 vs. Golden State: Scored a season-high 39 points and added seven assists during a 97-90 victory over the Warriors.
Jan. 8 vs. Memphis: Posted 26 points and chipped in with nine assists as the Lakers notched a 90-82 victory over the Grizzlies. 
Other nominees for the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week were Chicago’s Carlos Boozer, Indiana’s Roy Hibbert, Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Miami’s Chris Bosh, Minnesota’s Kevin Love, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant, Philadelphia’s Jrue Holiday, Phoenix’s Steve Nash, Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge and San Antonio’s Richard Jefferson.
NBAmas…. It Finally Happened
The NBA is BACK... FEEL His EXCITEMENT
Yesterday was the day of a new beginning… The NBA came back after a long exaggerated lockout caused by player and owner disagreements. Coming off of a very exciting 2010- 2011 season, fans had to wait until yesterday, to see their favorite teams and players back on the court for a regular season game. I…. was… too… excited… I’ll admit that.
The first day of regular season gave us some seat edging moments and some “oh wow” moments also. The first game that I watched was the Knicks vs. Celtics game. I expected this to be a challenge for the Celtics because of the age of the team and the new arrangement presented by the Knicks. Even though the Knicks won… by 2 points -_- the Celtics did hold their own, playing without an injured Paul Pierce. Considering his seniority, Ray Allen (Jesus Shuttlesworth) put up 20 points of course and Rondo, one of the best point gaurds in the league put up 31. Despite their efforts, the Knicks got them by two with Carmelo scoring 37 for the Knicks. But again, considering the talent combination on the Knicks, in my opinion, they should not have struggled against the Celtics, especially the Celtics without a Paul Pierce. Tyson Chandler, yes this was his first regular season game with the Knicks, but I hope he makes his trade mean something… Rebound sir…rebound. I look forward to great things from both teams this short season … great things. SN: Kevin Garnett needs counseling, he cannot and will not choke someone every time he loses this season.. no sir Garnett with the Choke
Heat Vs Mavs… DISCLAIMER: I am a MIAMI HEAT FAN… and a LEBRON SUPPORTER…. ok now that that’s out of the way: The Heat came back ready for revenge, this is obvious. I mean the Mavs raised their championship flag in their faces before the game, who wouldn’t want to whoop you senseless after that??? The Mavs played a decent game but I feel like Miami just wanted it more. James and Wade both combined for 63 points with James at 37 and Wade at 26, both doing tricks on the court and showing off a bit with a pass from Chalmers to James to Wade for the Alley-oop… (FANCY)… The Heat won the season opener 105-94 after having a lead of more than 30 at one point. But I will say that the Heat still have fourth quarter issues, the Mavs outscored them ridiculously in the fourth 29-8…. Let’s hope that this was just a first game jitter thing *crosses fingers* OH and I cannot forget about the rookie Norris Cole who is a GREAT addition to the roster this year. Throwing up 7 points last night, kudos to him, great things coming for him this year. Check them OUT! Fancy Alley-Oop Chalmers-James-Wade
He Makes It Look Easy
Ok Ok…. Lakers vs Bulls…. Another DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a LAKER FAN… I actually despise them… I’ll admit that: But nonetheless, even though they lost by one point, they played a decent game. Kobe says that he is hurt, but he did throw up 28 points to keep the Lakers alive. The Bulls came into town and proved to be a competitor, D. Rose… is definitely one of the best in the game and most importantly, he is clutch. This was just the first game but it has definitely set the pace for him and his team. I want to pretend like I’m unbiased when it comes to this game…. so I’ll be factual, the Bulls should not have struggled against a crippled Laker team, which proves that no one should count the Lakers out this year… not even me.
Two more games were played and I had to pleasure to watch both but I will only say a little about them: Chris Paul did the Clippers GOOD and I can’t wait to see Dwight Howard on a decent team… that’s just me though… sigh
next Post will be my season predictions… I hope that you all stick around 🙂
*Images courtesy of NBA.com*
Alicia McNease 