Do Not Enter

I remember quite vividly watching that series in 2007 between the Mavs and the Warriors.  The “We Believe” Warriors, led by a rejuvenated Baron Davis, upset the Mavs.  The Warriors were an eight seed by the way.  It was a new low for Dallas and especially Dirk Nowitzki.

I vividly remember watching the clinching game in almost complete shock.  I was in my college dorm/apartment watching it with a few others.  I think someone asked, “Man, what the hell happened to Dirk?”

I stammered.  “I….I don’t know, man.”  As shocking as blowing the ‘06 Finals to Miami was, this felt even worse.  They were losing to Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson.  Dirk has always been a favorite of mine and it was difficult to see.  Remember he was the MVP in ‘07 which turned out to be arguably the most hollow MVP award handed out, with Dirk attending that press conference after suffering the 1 vs. 8 seed loss already.

Last night, Dirk completed his journey back to the top.  It’s not easy to respond to adversity.  After ‘07 I just assumed Dirk wouldn’t get a chance again.  But he kept working.  He actually improved immensely, working on that shot, getting to the line more, those ridiculous body contortion shots, etc.  He improved to the point where he could have this run in the 2011 playoffs, which was just absurd.  We were shaking our heads Dirk, and that’s a good thing.

Overcoming this adversity made this title feel extra sweet for Dirk I’m sure.  But it also made me feel even more happy for the guy.  Everyone else is probably just glad the Heat lost, since that lot is treated like a gang of thugs for some reason.

Me, I think it’s an inspirational tale.  You want to pick yourself up off the mat?  You want something in life?  You’ve gotta earn it, work hard, and then harder some more. 

I should write that down sometime, for the next time I’m feeling lazy and not wanting to do my daily cardio workouts.

Here is a collection of things that I came across through my RSS reader that I enjoyed the most.  Hey, something has to keep me busy at work.

• I love Rashida Jones so it seemed appropriate to congratulate her for being named today’s Maxim girl of the day, whatever that means.  She is in the new Kevin Smith movie Cop Out unfortunately, which is getting horrific reviews.  But you should be watching her on the great NBC show, Parks and Recreation, which will return after the Olympic break.  Just so you know.  [Maxim]

• It looks like the producers are being punished by the Academy for sending out e-mails encouraging colleagues to vote for the film to win the Best Picture Oscar this year.  Will this affect the film’s chances?  Probably not since most of the ballots were probably delivered by now.  [The Envelope]

• More proof that the IOC is no fun: they are investigating the Canadian women’s hockey team and their gold medal winning celebration.  [Yahoo]

• Speaking of women’s hockey, there is also chatter of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League exploring a partnership with the NHL.  [Fourth Place Medal]

• I love curling and you love curling.  We know this.  But apparently it has become very popular on Wall Street as something to watch while unwinding after the closing bell.  We know these people watch CNBC.  [NY Times]

• The Grizzlies have sent rookie center Hasheem Thabeet to the D-League after he lost the backup center job on the team to Hamed Haddadi.  The #2 draft pick is the highest draft pick to be relegated to the D-League.  My original projection of Thabeet being Samuel Dalembert might have been a bit too generous.  [Ridiculous Upside]

• Angelina Jolie has turned down the chance to make Wanted 2.  Why is this great news?  Because she has now agreed to star in a space thriller made by the fantastic director of Children of Men, Alfonso Cuaron.  [NY Mag]

• Jaguars fans are demonstrating just how much they want their team to draft Tim Tebow.  [Sporting Blog]

• The eight stages of beer drinking.  [Guyism]