A Lifetime of Basketball in One Night - Game 5, the 2014 NBA Finals

Father’s Day – I approach this day with much trepidation and sadness. But, looking back it has been a good Father’s Day weekend – but one made difficult by distance, change and responsibilities. Caylea, Danny, and Lanette were all great in showing love in different and creative manners. I also spent quality time with Ian this day. Here is how my thoughts and conversations went.

Game 5, NBA Finals - the Spurs and the Heat – an epic challenge, repeat of last years’ finals. A win for the Spurs will be five championships in three different decades – dynasty time. The Heat can complete a three-peat, something the Celtics, Lakers, and Bulls have done – legendary. This Finals has not gone according to script for Ian’s beloved Heat. After stealing Game 2 in San Antonio and having home court advantage, they gave in to the aggressiveness and initiative of the Spurs to give up BOTH of their home games, by 19 and 21 points. More importantly, LeBron looks tired and Wade was way off last game. Both have been fantastic in the playoffs – but is the “team” concept of the Spurs just too much? The Heat are down 3-1 in the Finals – no team has come back from this deficit – is it possible. I talked trash to Ian about his team, but he remains upbeat.

Me: Is this really a series? I mean that the Spurs just look like the superior team in all ways over the first four games. I think your boys are gassed. 

Ian: Are you kidding me??? LeBron and Wade are the best players on the court; they will find a way. 

Me: But Leonard outplayed LeBron on his homecourt – two games?

Ian: That will only make the Heat more focused. Did you hear LeBron’s statement to his team before the game? “Follow me!” They will!

Me: They MAY do it in this game. But one loss, any loss and it is done.

Ian: My boys can do it – just have to play one quarter at time; win one quarter at a time. 

The Heat have been indeed Ian’s “boys.” I first called it merely “bandwagoning” as Ian adopted the Heat as “his team” in their first championship run in 2006 – just before we moved to Texas. Shaq and Dwayne Wade teamed up – the best of the past, promise of the future – they drew in his passion for the game. In the process, he left the Sacramento Kings, his first favorite, behind (after seeing two Kings games!). We enjoyed the best years of that franchise with Chris Webber and company while in Vacaville. 

He decided to be a basketball player in elementary school. I became one of his first coaches (actually his second) – a great bonding experience. But soon, he played on teams with more experienced coaches – good idea. Once he came to Texas, we let Caylea and Ian know that our Vacaville rule of one sport – especially at a time – was still in force. Ian chose basketball – in spite of his size or moreover, his potential size. But he had speed, ball handling and jumping ability to play with anyone of any size. He attended Chris Mihm’s (former UT star) basketball camp his first Summer in Austin. We still have the black basketball Chris signed for Ian in silver pen. Ian and Lanette met the Celtic great Dennis Johnson (jealous!) who was coaching the Austin D league team before dying of a heart attach later that year. This only added to his commitment to focus and develop his shooting and his rebounding as he came to Texas and began to play basketball at Brentwood Christian School. 

 It was there he met many of his lasting friends, among which were Aaron, Andrew, Jimmy, Jonathan and even Colton. Players came and went, but Ian, Jonathan and Colton were the three musketeers on the court. Colton was the full package – great pitcher, great shooter, ball handler and even a good post player. Ian was the blindingly fast point guard, the junkyard dog and Jonathan was the typical small forward – slashing and a good shot. Brentwood rarely was beaten during their two-year stint. It was always great fun watching Brentwood play, work to the end of a game – never give up, and play together. Ian played off-season, in the Summer – all around Austin. He loved basketball. His coaches in the WAYA program always looked to Ian as their example for hustle, never give up attitude, and leadership on and off the court. I can’t go anywhere, off Enfield, schools on Lamar or Burnet, School of the Deaf (remember me verbally asking a student: “Which way is the gym?”), Austin High, McNeil High, the schools off 71, Manor, EVERYWHERE is a basketball memory with you Ian and basketball! 

Ian loved collecting basketball cards. We would go the Card Traders of Austin shop on Spicewood Springs Rd. almost every week. He would spend hours looking through cards, saving money to buy cards of his heroes. Uncle Kurt, myself and others would go to look at baseball or football cards - Ian may have been given a Barry Bond's rookie card by Uncle Kurt even, but he was interested primarily in basketball cards. He collected hundreds. Organized these into teams, players, etc. Ian loved most of all to spin the wheel at the Card Traders shop - he could get a free card, a bag of cards, nothing... it was all a risk. But once he got a bag with mostly uninteresting cards - but in that bag was a rookie card for San Antonio Spurs star and future hall of famer Tim Duncan!!! Those cards and the shop bring back such great memories of our conversations, time spent and sharing life together. 

Well, back to the game. As you know from our last conversation during Game 7 of the 2013 Finals, Ian is an unashamed, Heat fan – primarily Wade, growing to LeBron and expanding to Ray Allen and Chris Bosh as they formed amazing chemistry. The Heat start out hot – scoring the first 10 or 12 points with Wade hitting the first shot of the game. LeBron was dominant. 

Ian: See Dad, they came to San Antonio to win it. Watch Wade and LeBron, attack, slashing to the basket – LeBron is the best player in the league hands down! Wade is still great – so much for the issues with his knee, he has been lights out this postseason.

Me: They are really good. Didn’t Durant win MVP – he was amazing this year.

Ian: But he couldn’t get his team to the Finals – San Antonio beat them in 6, the last game was even in OKC. 

Me: Yes, but injuries and, let’s be straight, I think San Antonio is playing the best NBA “team” ball in a decade. I don’t care how great Durant, LeBron or Wade are – they are just too strong to beat all the Spurs. 

Ian: You are just bitter that your “bandwagonning” with OKC did not work out with a championship. What happened to your Celtics?

Me: They all went to Brooklyn. I am a Durant fan, and OKC bandwagoner! Yes that is me! But did you hear his MBP speech? Gotta love him!

Ian: I know, I know. I like him too. Liked him since we first watched his first pre-season game at UT. He is a quality guy. His mom was amazing to raise him in such difficult situation. He is also a great player. Gotta admit that – but he is NOT here tonight!

Ian: Look at the game, in San Antonio – the Heat are up by 12 points and holding that lead. I am feeling it this game. 

Ian: By the way, is there any food to eat? I’m hungry. 

The game moved into the second quarter with the Heat up. Soon the game takes a turn. 

Ian: That was NOT a foul? Are they crazy? Blind? Not an offensive foul on Wade! Dad, that was a home cooking call.

Me: May be, but it still is keeping the advantage for San Antonio. A 14-0 run. That Leonard is scoring layups, 3 pointers and playing killer defense on LeBron. 

Ian: OH – DID YOU SEE THAT?!!?!!? Ginobli just dunked it on Chris Bosh – with his left hand!!! That was wicked. WhoooHoo!

Me: Old men can still rise up, can’t they – Duncan and Ginobli. Surprised me. You acknowledging a good Spurs play?

Ian: You know that I like good basketball – and love good dunks. That was both. 

Once in high school, Ian played freshman basketball at Anderson High School, as well as playing football…never say that we did not bend rules as needed with our kids! There he met Max, who became a close friend for all time. The two of them were hard players, giving their all, every play, and were not the best players – but good players on the team. They fought up from the “B” team to the “A” team based on their speed, hustle, rebounding and hope for shooting. Well, Ian kept lifting weights to become the muscle man we came to love. But his shot – which always was in the process of evolving…from right side set up, to over the head, to a circular pattern from right to left – was, well, off. I mean he could make 5-8 steals a game, get the same number of rebounds at 5’6.5”, but he would clank the ball of the rim, pound it hard off the boards on a lay up or overshoot on the jump shot. Ian was speechless he was so frustrated – we were bummed for him. Well Lanette near the end of the season made the connection between the weight lifting and his shot. This helped a VERY frustrated kid – at least understand what was going on. I still remember a great 3 pointer he nailed at the end of a half in a game – his smile, his confidence, his spirit was infectious. 

Ian’s Freshman b-ball coach was a football coach as his main job, and he struggled as a motivator. He would gripe, curse, pull players immediately out if they missed a shot, pass, dribble, etc. and even threw a chair or two in anger at a game. One game, he left the team very deflated after a chair tossing and after-game lecture. I was infuriated – how he treated Ian and his fellow players, jerking them in and out, not giving any time to get into the game flow, doing very little coaching and his cursing, throwing and negative actions. I set up a meeting back at Anderson – Danny and Ian tried to convince me NOT to speak with him (Danny was visiting from CA that week) – but I did. It was a heated discussion that grew into a hot conversation with the head varsity coach. Danny kept me calm. The coaches and I left things in a détente – they knew my position and they expressed theirs. I did not expect much to happen afterwards. But, their response was honorable – the coach apologized to the team, starting being positive and no more cursing and throwing things. The team did not win lots of games – but after that apology, the team certainly enjoyed playing more together. Ian finished strong, but his heart was no longer as deeply into basketball as in the past. 

The second quarter ended with anemic Heat offense and a 25-11 scoring deficit for the Heat. San Antonio ended up by 8 at half. Ian complained about the commentator’s exposition of the reason the Heat are down and the second half started. 

Me: I think that Kawhi Leonard may be the MVP. He is only 23 and is the offensive force with Ginobli for the Spurs, plus has to guard LeBron. He is coming up with steals and breakaways. Inside, outside he kills you.

Ian: Of course, if I had Duncan, Parker and Ginobli on my team – I could be a star too. They have to guard those guys first. 

Me: I agree – but he is still MAKING the baskets. Tony Parker is missing his. But Leonard’s defense makes him special.

Ian: Yes, but with Duncan and Diaw or Splitter behind you – you have LOTS of help to keep LeBron out of the paint.

Ian: Did I not say I am hungry?

Me: Splitter blocks Dwayne Wade’s dunk!!! Mills comes back with a 3 pointer. Now, three 3 pointers in a row! Whew the Spurs are on fire!

Ian: Where is the defense? Those are wide open shots! I can’t believe that Miami can’t get a stop!! I am so frustrated.

The Third Quarter is also not going the Heat’s way, 18-8 with 3 min left in the 3^rd with the lead for the Spurs growing to 17. The game is clearly getting to Ian. 

Me: Patty Mills is amazing. He is filling it up – reverse layups, 3 pointers – he is stretching the court. 

Ian: He is from Australia, actually the first basketball player of prominence that is of Aboriginal descent. 

Me: Really?

Ian: His mom is a native Australian – one of the Aborigines – and his Dad is not. He led scoring in the Olympics the last time around. He can play.

Me: I agree. How do the Spurs find such amazing international players – it is like the best of the world versus the Heat!

Ian: Yes – it takes the best to beat the Heat! It’s clearly unfair! Ha ha ha. No, you are right they have great foreign players, Parker - the slashing guard, Ginobli – unpredictable and can shoot the lights out, Diaw – a point guard in the body of a post man; Splitter – strong rebounder and shot blocker and Mills – wow, another 3!

Me: All foreign? That is impressive…

Ian: They have more, 10 in all! Duncan is international even – the Virgin Islands. 

Me: Dude, you know your stuff! Do you just watch Sports Center and read ESPN? Ever study?

Ian: Dad – I love the game. Gotta know it. You know I like facts, figures and records. 

Me: You do! Remember the regular Christmas give for maybe 5 or 6 years in a row?

Ian: The Guinness Book of World Records – Love them, read them, know them!

Me: Yes you do – always showing us weird facts and off the wall videos! All this talk and the Spurs have ballooned their lead to 19 at the end of the 3^rd Quarter. I think this one is over.

Ian: There is still a chance for one big Heat rally. By the way, still hungry!

Ian tried out for sophomore basketball in High School – but he was bulking up for football, his size began to be a challenge, and interest in Ultimate and wrestling began to grow. His time in football came to an abrupt end after three concussions in two years and a locker room incident leaving him with stitches. That was not all – a hip pointer he sustained being tackled as he used his powerful legs to take on the full defense in practice. Ian had the heart, speed and strength – they played him as defensive tackle over the center in football – he could compete there! But even with all his desire, contact has consequences. So, Ian left football – the original reason to go to Anderson and leave Brentwood – and left basketball, his first love. He was off to Ultimate (after a short stint in wrestling as a sophomore and soccer - surprise - as a senior) and certainly found his niche – landing A team in the Texas A&M Dozen his Freshman year in College! 

It is now the 4^th Quarter – well it is a big up hill situation for the Heat. 

Me: I don’t think the Heat have enough offense. They are all out of synch – like the Spurs drove the Thunder to one on one basketball in Game 6. A “team” versus Durant and Westbrook – it is just not enough to have great players. 

Ian: LeBron keeps playing. Beasely – great shot over Duncan. Three point try…MISSED IT!!

Me: That does not help. 

Ian: No, it doesn’t. 

Ian: Chalmers – great fake, and draws the foul! He MAKES the free throw – now only down by 14. They are doming back. If San Antonio gets cold, they could be in trouble.

Me: LeBron did not even come out to challenge Parker and he got one in his eye!

Ian: LeBron makes me so mad – he could play better than that. Not even switching off the screen and giving him a wide open 18 footer!! 

Me: Parker has gone 7-8 this Quarter after not being able to buy a basket earlier in the game!

Ian: It is not looking good – but the Heat may have one more run in them. 

Me: It better be a huge run – they are down by over 15 still.

Ian: It’s just too much Leonard, outside shots, layups protecting the ball with his body, defense – he is making LeBron really work just to get a shot. I think this is over. 

Me: Looks like it is over. Spurs winning by 17. Wow – they really avenged the Game 7 game series loss from last year – won it in five. Five Championships for San Antonio - pretty cool. 

Ian: Yep – they just did not let Miami get back into it. They started out so strong – but count not keep it up. Where were Wade, Bosh or Allen?? They were 11 of 34 for the game! 22 points only!

Me: Who will win the MVP? 

Ian: Leonard should win it – but may give it to Duncan, bigger name. May be his last season too. The game is over; can we grab some food?

Me: Duncan will play at least next year. But 5 championships in his career over 3 decades – 1990’s, 2000’s, and 2010’s! Impressive old guy.

Ian: Yep, Old Man Riverwalk – they say. 

Me: That is kinda funny. 

Ian: Leonard won MVP – that is well deserved. He may not have outscored LeBron this game, but he pretty much neutralized him to not be THE force in the game. Good for him.

Me: Great watching the game together – love the energy, the conversation and the exciting time together. 

Ian: Glad to visit and enjoy this game with you Dad. Love you!

Me: Love you “e!” I miss you!

After Ian’s sophomore year in High School, Ian and our nightly basketball games ended – games that started on Trillick Court in Vacaville on a 7-foot goal, and continued for four years in Austin on our hill top court in our driveway. I could write about the horse games, the dunk contests, the 3-pointer shootouts, games of “21,” the role-playing of Wade and whoever I would choose – Ian always chose Dwayne Wade. I can say simply – what joy, what competition, what bonding, what precious memories sit on the top of our driveway in front of that basketball goal. I watched my boy grow into a man, from a novice to one who could beat me hands down, around that court. Add to our games the countless parties with games, sweaty boys, laughing, complaining and arguing, jumping over trash cans, dunk contests on 8½, 9, 9½ foot goals – and attempts at 10 (well, there was a claim of one dunk on our goal by Ian and two verified ones in different gyms, including one at A&M – the kid at 5’6.5” could flat out jump!). My stories of Greg Giddings at Midwestern State learning to jump and dunking inspired. Well, maybe the thrill of dunking inspired Ian – as it did Greg!

Ian and I played lots of basketball, at school gyms, the 24 Hour gym near campus, the J (with friends), at Triumphant Lutheran, the Rec at A&M and other places, but no place did we play so much as at our house on that goal on the top of the hill. Hated to miss a shot off the front of the rim – it would roll down the hill, sometimes hop the curb into our neighbor’s yard and had to run and stop it before it rolled into the Great Hills Park! Often, we would play for an hour or more a night. I remember during our heyday, I hated to see the Fall come, because it would get dark early and this only got worse with day light savings time. The issue - we lost bball time together. The lights did their best – but were never as good as the sun. Every parent has their “special” time with their kids, the renaissance that is the launching pad for a more mature relationship. For Ian and I, this was on that hill-top court in our driveway playing bball. We played some with Caylea and Danny, and friends – bball was our family game for that brief time. Soon, our game migrated to Ultimate with all three kids involved. But, that brief time, that was our time - together.

The goal still sits at the top of our driveway – a quiet sentinel from the past. Makes me cry to see that goal all alone and unused. So much is missing here. Makes me also smile to remember all the great memories and the blessings of the times there. Gotta make more of time. 

Love you “e” – call next game up there for us, one-on-one you and me. Can't wait.