All Dressed Up and No Place to Go

It's a sad day here in Orlando. The Magic couldn't fight off the Celtics to bring it home for Game 7, thus, I will not be wearing my strategically planned ensemble described in yesterday's post. I'm still a Magic fan, and proud that they came back and gave the Irish boys a little struggle for a few games. Now, on to the Playoffs for the Celtics, and who will they be playing? We'll see about that as the Battle for the West goes back to the desert for Game 6 tonight. The Lakers are ahead 3-2 in this series, so will the Lakers take it all tonight? Or will we have a Game 7 back in LA? We'll see...

And as for me, what will I do? Tonight I'll view the Lakers/Suns with my husband at our FAVE sushi spot, Seito. What to do with the void created by lack of Game 7 in Orlando on Sunday?

I think I'll have to apply those lashes after all and go see the latest exploits of Carrie and the ladies. Do you think I can convince my husband to take me to Sex and the City Part 2? We'll see...

xoxo

More Magic Please

I can't stand the excitement on the courts right now--a last second miracle play by former foes Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant last night for a Lakers win at home over the Suns AND the Magic crushing the Celtics on Wednesday, reducing the Celtics series lead to 3-2. I'm thrilled about the great competition in the West, but today, I've got to keep my enthusiasm closer to home.

Orlando plays the Celtics again tonight in Boston for Game 6. If the Magic can win this one, the all important, deciding Game 7 will be played in Orlando Sunday night and guess who just happens to be travelling to Orlando this weekend? Yes, yours truly, and I will force my precious husband to take me to the game. I don't care if I have to stand around in the pouring ran or burning heat all day to beg, plead and/or pay dearly for tickets. I will be at that game. With this possibility in mind as I prepare to leave my lovely beach oasis for the weekend getaway, I realize that I must pack a super cutie ensemble for this event. I mean really, if the Magic could win Games 6 & 7, it would be the first time in the history of basketball that a team came back from 3 losses to win a best of 7 series. This is such a rare event that it has only occurred 4 other times in sports, three in hockey and one in baseball. Could it happen this time? I hope so. And if it does, I'll be there witnessing history in the making.

I lunched with my very special friend Stacy this week, and she reported that she needs more fashion to go with my entries, so here it is...

What will I wear to this historic, potential event: first and most important, false lashes. My a-musing friend Wendy taught me the importance of those dramatic little beauties. For attire, a trusted pair of Joe's Jeans are in line for this event because I'll need to be flexible for a lot of up and down, cheering and jeering, spilling drinks, etc. It's likely to be a highly emotional game so my normal 'uniform', collection of little dresses, will not suffice. Also on such occasions, it is highly necessary to show your team colors, so I will opt for this cute little tank with stripes of blue and silver sequins, very understated, right? (see photo, with husband in Napa Valley, for proof that I am not speaking of tacky sequins) Both the jeans and the sparkly top were purchased under the supervision of my most trusted wardrobe advisor, Valerie. She has a triple black belt in shopping and I would never question her judgement. I'll finish off my look with a pair of shiny blue patent Tod's, product of Bergdorf's after a long lunch at the BG Cafe, complete with bubbly, celebrating Krissy's birthday in the Big Apple.

So, Go Magic. I hope I get to wear my carefully crafted wardrobe selections on Sunday night...

xoxo

Playoff Update: Gearing up for Game 5

It's starting to get a little crazy on the courts as we head into Game 5 of the Eastern and Western Conference Playoffs. Lots of exciting action to watch over the next two nights, and really, for those of us east of the Mighty Mississippi, the Western games are more of a 'late night' viewing. I must confess, yours truly must have beauty rest so I often miss the second half to prevent very puffy next day eyes. Fear not, I have already scoured the news and watched the necessary highlights. And, yes, I will sacrifice my appearance during the playoffs and watch each game to the bitter end.

So friends, here's what's happening:

In the East, I had a hunch the Magic could pull off a little magic and prevent the Celtics from getting out their celebratory broom. After a brilliant return of Superman (aka Dwight Howard) and team, the Magic managed to keep the Celtics under control in Game 4 in Boston. I wouldn't call it a dominating win, but they played their hearts out right through overtime. Few teams would have the determination and spirit to put on such a performance while facing possible elimination after receiving such a lashing during the first 3 games (Game 2 wasn't so bad, but did result in a loss). Of course Ray Allen was firing off flawless 3's for Boston all night long, but somehow the Magic contained the crazy skills of Rajon Rondo.* The series heads back south to Orlando tonight...Will the Celtics win and move on to their one zillionth Playoff appearance? Will the Magic be able to take a win at home? Is it possible that they could be the first basketball team to come back from a 3 loss deficit to go to the Finals? We'll see...

*And how quickly the press loses interest--for at least one day, Rondo was not the top story. But I happily report that King James didn't reign over the news. This time it's speculation about Phil Jackson making a return to the Bulls. Whatever.

In the West, Los Suns really heated up the desert last night with another scorching win over the Lakers to tie up that series. Steve Nash and his broken nose, along with a stellar performance from their bench, seemed to shut down the Lakers. Kobe Bryant is not so happy and has concerns about the Lakers defense. He did manage to score 38 points, yet some say he is not the best player in the league. Interesting. The series returns to Los Angeles on Thursday night where all of the beautiful people will be lining up to claim their seats on the floor. Speaking of beauties, I noticed quite a nice looking crowd sitting courtside in Phoenix. In a quick analysis of these seats, I discovered that to earn such primo real estate, it is necessary for ladies to have very thick, long manes. I think perhaps I should grow mine out so that I can move on down to the floor level seats from my present vantage of about 16 rows back. Presently my hair falls just below the shoulders, that is when I am not channelling Holly Golightly (see profile image). Or maybe I should try extensions? More topics to ponder. And what will happen in the West? I'll be watching...

xoxo

Playoff Update: The Battle for the East and West

Greetings sportsfans, we are 3 games in on the Eastern and Western Division Championship Playoffs and it's been very interesting. I am shocked at how these two series are playing out, but you, my dear readers, must have sensed what would be taking place. Based on the votes cast by fans of the "Dress", You picked the Lakers and the Celtics as the winners. Fifty percent of voters think the Tinseltown team will take it all, while 25% selected the men in Green. While Boston is only one win away, the Lakers still need 2 wins to proceed to the Finals.

Here's a quick summary of the first 3 games of each series:

In the East, the Boston Celtics/Orlando Magic series has been either a display of dominating force or a dreadful disappointment, depending on your point of view. The Celtics are ahead 3-0, and have completely dismembered the Magic with their incredible teamwork and the high octane moves by Rajon Rondo* (formerly of Kentucky, so I know that while I am sadly mourning the demise of the Magic, my friend Satya, is celebrating the success of a former wildcat). But before we let all of the Magic bashing fog our thinking, please recall that this team won 59 regular season games, second only to the (recently disgraced) Cleveland Cavaliers, Dwight Howard received the Defensive Player of the Year for the second straight year and they won all of their playoff games in the first two series against worthy opponents. Clearly, the Boston team is hungry for another championship and unless something truly magical takes place for the Magic, the finals will be the next stop for the Celtics. I do hope the boys from O-town can hold off the boys from Beantown for just one game to avoid a sweep.

*I will say that I am happy to have the main topic of discussion of NBA basketball move away from LeBron James and where-will-he-go mania. Rondo's performance in these past few games has briefly eclipsed news of the media darling, King James, so let's all enjoy this rare LeLoving free moment.

In the West, everyone thinks Los Angeles Lakers will go all the way (only 5% voted for the Phoenix Suns in my recent poll), but after last night I say we rethink that. It appears that the Suns have turned up the heat a bit as they won a very physical game 3, leaving the Lakers with a 2-1 lead in the series. Kobe still scores about a million beautifully executed points a game, but watch out for the Suns Amar'e Stoudemire and his 42 points last night. Nice. The Lakers Derek Fisher found himself the center of several elbow issues during the game, first as his head was grazed by the elbow of the Suns big man Robin Lopez (OUCH!) then again when he got Steve Nash, of the Suns, in the nose with his own elbow (DOUBLE OUCH!). Poor Canadian Steve is just recovering from a swollen closed, black eye, and now a broken nose too! Maybe he should have opted for hockey as he doesn't seem to mind the abuse. These two teams are going to put up quite a fight before its over. I'll be watching this series for the pure drama and more flying elbow sightings.

I've included a photo of my favorite sports loving friends, Brenda and Phillip and their beautiful daughter Camille. I snapped this photo of them just before an Orlando Magic game. Camille was very taken with the TG Lee cow/blimp that floats around the stadium dispensing coupons. As you can see, Camille had her eye on the cow and was ready to catch an airmail delivery. These sports fans kindly gave me the gift of Sports Illustrated for my recent birthday, as mentioned in a recent posting. Many thanks to you Phillip, Brenda and Camille!

Happy playoff viewing,
xoxo

Hoop Etiquette Part 2

Continued from this mornings post, Hoop Etiquette Part 1...


And all David Arquette was trying to do was keep the peace when some other fans were acting up. Thank goodness his darling wife Courteney wasn't there, else she may have been caught up in the stampede too. The ironic thing is...this was a Lakers fan and the Lakers won. Why start a riot in the stands? Hmmm... and by the way, if you haven't checked out Brenda's comment on Part 1, please do so. Thanks for sharing that bit of local info with us, B!

Another amusing story that's been all over the press involves a referee throwing a ball at, or to, a spectator in the stands at a game in Orlando.
Reportedly, the fan was heckling the refs (and I might say with good reason because I did see a couple of not so fair calls, thus the fans chanting "ref you suck" over and over). So the ref takes a ball and tosses it at, or to, the fan, who then tosses it right back to the ref. Probably not such smart idea to be tossing anything into the stands. Don't we all know that if you throw something at someone sitting center court about 3 rows back, chances are that they are someone of some significance? Seriously, Tiger Woods used to sit a few seats away, that is, before his unfortunate incident, when he could actually go out in public. Uh Oh Ref Man, I don't think you'll be getting the red carpet treatment at any Wyndham resorts. I doubt if their CEO likes having balls thrown at him.

So this my friends is why you must always look your best. You never know when you will be caught in the stampede a la David Arquette with photogs snapping shots left and right, or when in a seemingly unimportant moment, a ref throws a ball at you and suddenly you are on the ESPN SportsCenter highlight reel for a solid week. Of the ball throwing ref situation, my very dear and oh so fashionable friend Krissy posed the question to me:

What would a savvy chick do?

After deep thought and great contemplation, I would have to respond that:

I would only hope that I was wearing something stunning and that I would be able to actually catch the ball, at which point I would hold the ball above my head and give my best smile for all of the cameras that were sure to be on me during such a debacle.

After thinking this over, I will certainly wear false lashes to all upcoming games, just in case--they really make a world of difference in the photos. I've heard it said many times, always best to be prepared and put your best shoe forward.

p.s. The mention of Tiger makes me think, maybe the Magic would play better if Tiger would come back to a game to cheer on his hometown boys. I think his hall pass has been taken away for long enough, don't you?

Don't forget to mind your P's and Q's sportsfans

xoxo

Hoop Etiquette Part 1

The Full Court Dress Corps has been busy collecting and reporting all things basketball to me since the conception of this blog. I am very thankful for their diligent searching and have recently received too many stories about disruptive behavior at games to let the topic go by without comment. The NBA has made a huge effort to keep it clean since the great brawl in Detroit several years ago involving a few big name players. Coincidentally, one of those players is attempting to use his manners in the Playoffs this year with the Lakers, though he wasn't so nice last year when he was playing against the Lakers with his previous team, the Houston Rockets. Not a very good idea to be mean to Kobe Bryant...shame, shame Ron Artest.

I am happy to see he and Kobe playing nice this year as Artest seems to have left his naughty behavior behind.



While Ron Artest may be getting an A+ for his behavior, we cant say as much for the fans. I know everyone is excited about the playoffs, but really, is it necessary to push David Arquette to the ground where he was trapped for nearly 30 seconds? And we all know 30 seconds in LA time is like 30 days for the rest of us non residents of the City of Angels.

Look for part 2 of this post later today. xoxo

Basic Knowledge for Optimal Playoff Viewing

We are in the thick of the NBA playoffs, and it occurs to me that a handful of my friends know very little about the sport and are truly interested in scratching the surface to see what I’m so excited about. I thought it might be nice for those ladies, and a few gents too, if I explained the very basics of basketball so that we can all enjoy these electrifying playoff games.

I’m planning to go into more detail about the subtle nuances of the sport during the off-season, so this will be a very simple overview. Basically, 5 players take the court for each team and play 4 quarters of 12 minutes. During these 48 minutes each team tries to put the ball in their own basket as often as possible and stop the other team from putting the ball in the basket on the other end of the court. Shots taken outside of the oval shaped line are for 3 points and shots inside this arc are for 2 points. Of course there are lots of free throws for 1 point each from fouls so the points tally faster than your Saks rewards on triple points day.

Today we are in the midst of the Eastern and Western Division Championship Series. Of the 30 professional basketball teams in the NBA, the 8 best in the East and West go to the playoffs where there are 3 series of 7 games, prior to the Championship Series. The winners of the East and the West take each other on in the epic ‘Finals’ battle. These 15 series are among the best events in all of sports. Call me crazy, but it’s more exciting than seeing the Spring Collections blossom after a long, gray winter.

Currently we have the Boston Celtics playing the Orlando Magic for the East and the Phoenix Suns are taking on the Los Angeles Lakers for the West. Boston has won their first two games, a real heartbreaker for me as I am an Orlando Magic girl at heart. As I type, I am watching Phoenix keep it a little close with the Lakers in their second game in attempts to tie that series. All kinds of celebs are courtside in LA looking casual, yet painfully chic, while cheering on the allstar cast of their defending champion, hometown team.

The four teams left are loaded with talent so it should be a hot couple of weeks of basketball ahead. The Celtics are on a roll after taking out the Cavs and the omnipresent LeBron, but I am still hopeful for the Magic. Saturday night will be a huge game for the Magic if they want to make a repeat appearance at the Finals this year. Kobe and company make it look like a sure thing for a return trip to the Finals, but the Suns are feisty fellows, so I’m keeping my eye on the ball. I hope you will too.

More hoops reports soon…
xoxo

The Beginning of the Blog

I have created this blog to share the excitement and drama of being a fan of the NBA with other fans of the sport, and to help others understand how I could become a rather rabid fan of professional basketball, as I am a very girly girl that is typically pondering such heavy issues as what DVF wrap I'll wear to the next social function, whether Seven's or Joe's are my favorite denims or the age old battle of Jimmy Choo vs Manolo Blahnik (Manolo's, clearly). I have noticed such shock and surprise when people hear me speak of basketball, and I hear them ask in baffled tones, "How does SHE know about basketball?". I have pondered these reactions and wondered, is it because a. I am not a man b. I live in a small gulf coast beach village far from any NBA team or c. I am too much of a lady to really get behind such a sport? After much thought, I prefer to believe that these folks think that I am just so adorable that I somehow couldn't possibly choose ESPN and TNT over Oprah, or savor the pages of Sports Illustrated* rather than InStyle. (*special thanks to Brenda, Phillip & Camille)

I was not planning to start blogging officially until late Summer when the preseason fever was spiking, but I'm feeling really NBA crazed these days, so I've changed my mind. The playoffs are amazing and right after the playoffs we'll be dealing with a red hot draft and the craziest free agents on the block. Play off action is already on fire and after the draft and trades, teams will be shaken up like a cold martini, and yours truly will be sipping on all of that information and will report my thoughts on those new developments.

I am very thankful for my early blog supporters, Brenda, Heather, Mathilda and Andy.

xoxo