What sucks is... my camera. I didn't notice it til the very end, but there was a big fingerprint on the lens... so these turned out way blurry 8(. But then, I was also trying to enjoy the exhibition so taking pics wasn't a huge priority.
Having said that... I think that this event completed its mission. I am *definitely* more pumped up about the season. I'm going to all 4 pre-season games... and I really hope to see more of the same quality of play that I saw today.
Synopsis... Josh Howard is a future all-star. The top two plays of the evening were clearly his. He had two lay-ins that were very Jordon-esque. Both times, he drove the lane through heavy traffic and scored 'around' the big man. Much like Jordon's famous shots... he altered his shot in mid-flight to somehow land it in. They were absolutely beautiful. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture the shots as well as they deserve... hopefully a newspaper will have them. Anyway...
The first one is obviously more clear on what happened. He was laying almost parallel to the floor... this shot was freaking phenomenal. The whole crowd was shaking their head... we simply couldn't believe that it went in. Keep in mind that this player was picked LAST in the first round of the draft.
The second shot isn't as clear, but I can describe what happened... Dampier had him blocked, so Josh went UNDER the basket, around him and flung the ball up... pretty much behind himself. Sure enough, the ball landed in... without even dinging the rim. It was simply awe-inspiring.
Dirk is the man. Michael is our leader. Damp is our muscle... but NOW, because of tonight, I am most pumped about Josh Howard. I only bought 1 jersey last year... and I'm *way* happy that it says Howard on the back =p. Watch out for him this year.
Anyway...
The day was awesome. I had the best seats I've ever had for a professional basketball game. TCU's seats were pretty small, but the layout of the stadium was very cool. Although... with all that purple, it felt like I was sitting at an away game in Sacramento =p (how dirty!)
It started out like a typical off-season scrimmage. The players came out and stretched, then started throwing practice drills.
Michael Finley came out for some introductions... I loved this because it falls in line with what he said about taking a stronger 'leadership' role this Summer. His part in getting us pumped up went a long ways in showing me he was serious.
The game started...
It was kind of funny because it wasn't the type of 'blue vs white' split I was expecting. This was very much a varsity vs J.V. matchup. Dirk, Finley, Erick, Terry.... all on team one... Bradley and all the freshmen on team two. The only 'bright' side (on paper) for team 2 was Josh Howard, although he's only a sophomore. Regardless, the underdogs built a sizeable lead on the starters. This felt a little scripted though... but it was a lot of fun nonetheless.
Here you see the Mormon giant flat-footing a midrange shot over a comparatively tiny Dampier.
Finley gets set for his brilliant turn-around jumper.
Time-out!
Dampier sinking a foul-shot.
New backup power-forward Alan Henderson sinks in a very nice looking lay-up.
Time-out!
Finley shoots off a technical foul to Bradley! This was pretty freaking funny...
Gotta love these time-outs...
Half-time!
Devin Harris tries to block the MASTER at his best shot... hand-in-the-face is never enough to keep Dirk from sinking those mid-range shots.
Dirk continues to pour on with his best shots. We Mavs fans get giddy when we see him open up with those shots.
Devin Harris sinks a 3. This guy is definitely going to do well in the league. I can't wait to see him start.
Jerry Stackhouse proves he has what it takes to be our next great sixth-man. I hope all you Stack haters shut up after he gets the award =p.
After the closing ceremonies... I took a bunch of random pictures... Here we see Bradley lumbering over to shake some hands. That's the only way he moves... he doesn't walk, he lumbers... but we love him anyway =p. Dirk, Finley and Bradley (the Mavs with tenure =p) each threw their shoes to the crowd. A girl right in front of me caught one of Dirk's... it was as big as my forearm.
Anyway... it was a lot of fun. I'm glad I was able to attend and I hope I can go to these every year =p.
