The last few weeks have been pretty successful to say the least. We started the season on the road and completed a 3 game win streak which in this league any win on the road is a big bonus. We opened up with LA, then went to Reno, and finished up in Utah. All three games were opening nights for the home teams which meant great crowds and a little something extra from those teams. No one likes to start off the season with a home loss for their first game. But unfortunately for them we came in like the plague and destroyed the lovely opening nights for everyone. The LA win was pretty straight forward as we opened the second half with a 22-2 run. Our defense was like the iron curtain stopping all those who wish to pass with a swift kick and two hand push out the door.
We then traveled out that night en route to the lovely city from my family past, Reno. With much anticipation for that game not only because it was the first to be played in Reno, as they are an expansion team and this will be their first year in the d-league, but also because almost my entire extended family would be in attendance. We won the game but I may have played the 3rd worst game of my life some say jitters from family support I say foul trouble from the word go and I could never regain my composure. However after sitting out almost the entire second half I was put in with 2 or so minutes to play. On the following defensive possession I was fouled and sent to the line in the bonus for 2 free throws. I hit the second which gave us the lead that we never gave up and proceeded to win in regulation. So I may have been playing with my head up my you know what for most of the game, but I made my money from the free throw line to edge out our second win.
That night I spent some time with my Dad's mom (gram), my uncle Ron and Aunt Margaret and Aunt Lois, and my cousins Ron and Kiana. Who I must say is growing up to be a very intelligent and stunning young lady. It was great to see all of them especially Gram as I don't get out to see her as often as I would like. Other then the fact that she may ask you the same question 5 times in one conversation she is still enjoying life and ordering us all around. Upon returning to the Hotel I met up with my cousin or good friend or whatever he is, Adam McKenzie. Great to see him and meet his lovely lady and just hangout for a few hours. The next morning I was able to have a great breakfast with my uncle Kim and his great family out at their house in Mogul. (Thank you Aunt Leslie for all the treats, you made many friends in the airport that morning!) I can't believe to this day how many impromptu reunions I have pulled off with the help of all my basketball travels. Another great family trip payed for by the NBA.
Now back to basketball. We left wonderful Reno to finish up our mission in Utah. The Utah team is based out of Orem which is a lovely little town just outside of Salt Lake, nestled right at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Truly some of God's country. Ok enough mushy stuff and more to kicking ass on the hardwood. Utah has a very athletic team with some veteran guys which made for a great game. I rebounded from my out of body experience in Reno and performed pretty well against the Utah Flash. We had another war on our hands as the game went into overtime which is always exciting to play early in the season. It can show a lot about a team and where they may be headed for the year. It also helps to get some experience in close games. But unlike last year when we couldn't win a close game much less any game, we pulled it off. Once again our defense locked it down in O.T. and our offense was able to explode and we walked away with a confidence building win against a great team in a tough fought overtime game. We were learning how to win. Some say you can't learn to win but I believe that success breeds success and there is a definite swagger that goes along with winning. It's not arrogance but a feeling that every time you step on the court you know you have prepared well and have the skills to win games. Winning is contagious.
