What You Need To Know About The NBA FInals
This is going to be good.
Photo: Instagram/nbaonespn
The NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals tip-off is on Thursday, June 1st, and our matchup this year has surprised everyone. The Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat will battle it out for the coveted Tiffany redesigned Larry O'Brien trophy (which comes with its own Louis Vuitton travel case).
Underdog Stories
The Denver Nuggets, the number one seed in the Western Conference, were dominant throughout the season. However, they don't have the big market appeal that often steals the limelight. As a result, despite their success, the Nuggets seem to fly under the radar. Even after sweeping the Lakers in the previous series, the media focused more on LeBron James' retirement than on the Nuggets' triumph.
On the other hand, the Miami Heat had a challenging season, even making it to the play-in tournament. But they embarked on an incredible underdog Cinderella run that captured the hearts of fans. Their resilience and determination have propelled them forward, reminiscent of the underdog stories we love sports.
Nikola Jokic and the Lack of Recognition
Nikola Jokic, the centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets, is a two-time league MVP. Yet, he remains underrated and overlooked by many. He could have won his third consecutive MVP this year, but regional bias seemed to work against him. Jokic is a quiet and humble superstar who lets his performance on the court do the talking. His journey into the league was exemplified by a draft night where a Taco Bell commercial overshadowed his selection at No. 41. This story speaks to the lack of respect he has endured throughout his career.
Jimmy Butler and Big Face Coffee
The Miami Heat's star player, Jimmy Butler, has driven the team's playoff run. His unwavering determination and ability to carry the team have been truly remarkable. Off the court, Butler created his brand, Big Face Coffee, during the NBA season in the COVID bubble.
Erik Spoelstra: A Staple in Miami
Erik Spoelstra, the coach of the Miami Heat, stands out as one of the longest-tenured coaches in the NBA. He has guided the team to three championships and has worked with legendary players like Shaq, Dwyane Wade and LeBron James. Spoelstra's ability to strategize and lead his team has set him apart in a league where coaching stability is increasingly rare.
Mascots and Home Court Advantage
While the impact of mascots on the game may seem trivial, the Denver Nuggets mascot, Rocky, is the highest-paid mascot in the league. His energy and crowd engagement has made him a fan favorite. Furthermore, the home-court advantage for the Nuggets is amplified by their high elevation. Denver's mile-high altitude poses a challenge for visiting teams who are not accustomed to the thin air.
The clash of these two teams brings together contrasting storylines, underlining the unpredictable nature of sports. So let the battle for the title begin.
5 Of America’s Best Cities (That Also Happen To Have Great Sports Teams)
Who isn't looking for a reason to get away?
Photo: Instagram/Nashvilletn - FirstBank Amphitheater
We’ve taken out the obvious choice for sports cities in Los Angeles, New York, Boston and Chicago and given you a few new places to add to your must-see travel list.
*Books flights,
The Last Night’s Game Team
Denver
With over 300 days of sunshine, Denver is an obvious choice. Sure they have the Denver Broncos (NFL – National Football League), Denver Nuggets (NBA – National Basketball Association), Colorado Avalanche (NHL – National Hockey League) and Colorado Rockies (MLB – Major League Baseball) but did you know they have over 150 breweries in the metro area? You can take in a concert at the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre if you’re not into sports or venture into the mountains for some hiking, skiing or our favorite, après-ski. ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
Seattle
If the Pike’s Place Market area, the original Starbucks or taking in the views from the top of the Space Needle isn’t enough to drive you to check out Seattle, how about a little sports action? Seattle is the home to the newest NHL team, the Seattle Kraken, that will begin their inaugural season this fall. If hockey isn’t your thing, they have the Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Storm (WNBA - Women's National Basketball Association), Sounders (MLS – Major League Soccer), OL Reign (NWSL – National Women’s Soccer League) and the Mariners (MLB). The Mariners have the longest playoff drought in baseball, so maybe you can bring them some good luck (or at least enjoy the outdoors with a cold beer and some popcorn). HEY BATTER BATTER
Nashville
If Nashville is on your travel list, you’re not the only one. The music city ranks high on the list of most-desired domestic destinations in 2021. If you like football, food and music – you’re in luck. You can catch a Tennessee Titans (NFL) game and then wander over to the Country Music Hall of Fame or to Lower Broadway to take in some of the best live music you’ve ever heard. The city is booming, with over 22 new restaurants opening thus far in 2021, which will be great to grab a bite before a Nashville Predators (NHL) or Nashville SC (MLS) game. VOLUNTEER TO VISIT
Las Vegas
The newest blossoming sports city also happens to be the entertainment capital of the world. So if you’re not into catching a Vegas Golden Knights (NHL) or Aces (WNBA) game or checking out the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL) in their brand new stadium, there are plenty of options of things to do. While we all know the Las Vegas Strip is what keeps people coming back to Vegas, did you know that there’s excellent hiking at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and a world-class Mob Museum with a speakeasy in the basement? Oh, and they have 280 non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 152 destinations in nine countries, so it’s easy to get there. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Tampa Bay
While you may think of the beaches, Tampa Bay has cemented its status as an elite sports city over the past few years. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Tom Brady, won the Super Bowl (NFL) in 2021. Not to be outdone, the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL) won back-to-back Stanley Cup Championships. The Rays (MLB) were World Series runners-up in 2020, and the Toronto Raptors (NBA) called Tampa home during COVID because they were prohibited from traveling in and out of Canada. A PLACE TO CALL HOME
And You Think You’re Cold – The 5 Coldest Games In Sports
What else is there to talk about besides the weather and sports?
What else is there to talk about besides the weather and sports?
Throw another log on the fire,
The Last Night’s Game Team
The Five Coldest Games In Sports
1. The beauty of the NBA (National Basketball Association) is that their games are fairly quick (as it relates to the sports world) and they’re inside, with the exception of four games that were played outside. The coldest game on record was between the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns outdoors in Palm Springs, CA. Temps dipped into the 60s and the wind toyed with the player’s shots.
2. MLB (Major League Baseball) players are called the boys of summer but not on April 23, 2013. The first game in a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and the Colorado Rockies in Colorado started off at 23 degrees. Luckily it warmed up to just below freezing for the second game. Inevitably, somebody froze their you know what off.
3. We all love college football bowl game season in December, except for the coldest bowl game on record. Picture this. The Bluegrass Bowl in Louisville, KY in 1958. The Oklahoma State Cowboys and Florida State Seminoles take the field and your hot chocolate? Well, it’s frozen because it’s 12 degrees. That 60 degree basketball game suddenly looks like a beach vacation.
4. You expect to be cold at an NHL (National Hockey League) game since it’s played on ice after all. But what happens when it’s outdoors in the dead of winter? Ask the 56,000 fans that came out to the 2003 Heritage Classic to watch the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers battle it out in – 4 degree weather. A ride on the Zamboni is the only thing that would make that situation better.
5. We saved the best for last. The infamous NFL (National Football League) ”Ice Bowl” between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys proved to be the most brutal on the list. The New Year’s Eve game of 1967 in Lambeau Field (home of the Packers) saw actual temps around -13 degrees and with the wind chill, -48 degrees. No thank you.
Did you know? Legendary New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (NFL) is forced to play in the cold quite often but how does he deal with it? He wears a wetsuit under his uniform to stay warm. Forget long johns, that’s brilliant.
Today’s The Day
Board meeting banter boring you? Heat up the conversation with the three hot topics in sports today. Don’t miss out on the blast from the past that's rocking the world of sports, a model’s promise to an Olympian and the awkward post-game interview you simply have to see for yourself. READ