Pure Unadulterated Joy

Last night the Phoenix Suns played the Golden State Warriors in what can only be described as a thrilling basketball game. The pace was frenetic and the skill was obvious. People often wonder why I like the NBA more than college ball and games like this make me feel good about my preference. These were two whirling dervishes fighting to the last second. Open jumpers were drained, drives were finished and there was no shortage of spectacular plays. I hoped and prayed for overtime only to denied by a few surprisingly missed shots at the end.

I think the best part was listening to Jeff Van Gundy call the game. He single handedly set the game back to the stone age when he was coaching and would have been apopleptic had he actually been involved in the game. The defense was cursory at best and the rebounding left a lot to be desired. But, the offense was divine and he was loving it. You could hear the glee in his voice as he talked about each team's mantra of "there are no bad shots". And tonight, there really weren't.

This game was like white truffles to a gourmet, a bourdeaux to a oenophile, a fine cuban cigar to an afficionado, surredering to the French. It was the most natural and beautiful expression of basketball I have seen (since their last meeting) and I can only hope that we are treated to a seven course meal this May in the playoffs.