Well, it was D Day, or Decision Day, for both the UC teams on Tuesday evening. By virtue of the Magic beating the Cavs, the Bulls clinched a playoff spot. By virtue of the Predators beating the Wild, the Blackhawks have officially been eliminated from the playoffs. One up, one down.
Let’s start with the Blackhawks. What a disastrous year it has been, in every aspect. The season that had some promise (before it started), went down the tubes quickly. There have been some nice moments, like Kane & Toews both reaching milestones, DeBrincat making the All Star team, but for the most part, it has been super ugly. I’m really not sure where the Blackhawks go from here. Out of all the teams, they are in the worst situation; they seem farther away from contention than even the Cubs. I will be making a final visit to the UC this week with my dad and bro to watch the freshly eliminated Hawks play; it’s still fun to go to the game…
As far as the Bulls go, this is a happy day, right? Right! Making the playoffs should NEVER be taken for granted; hear that Cubs? Getting into the postseason is why you play the entire regular season; winning it all is the ultimate goal, but you have to get there first. I don’t care one bit that they backed into the playoffs. Sure, this late slide and performance against the top teams has brought our expectations back down to earth, but… the Bulls hadn’t made the playoffs in 5 years!!! We’re back!!! THIS was the first goal of this season; mission accomplished! I’ve actually scooped some tickets to the first home playoff game this year; that should be a blast, as long as we don’t play the Heat, Bucks, or 76ers… haha. Either way, playing in that 2nd season is something that cannot be replicated; there is only one way to get that true experience, and that’s being there. The fact that the Bulls have taken the next step, will gain playoff experience, is a beautiful thing. Here’s hoping we can win a game, a series, two???
This was also decision day for my favorite NBA player and his team of the month. LBJ and the projected 70 win Lakers have been eliminated from playoff contention. Seeing him and his team lose is something that warms my heart; it’s been the gift that keeps on giving this year. To see him not play, to walk off the court in this final meaningful game of the season for the Lakers… ahhh, I feel, refreshed! Look, he is a great player no doubt. What he has accomplished, both with his titles and overall losing record in the NBA finals, as well as, all the records he has broken and will break because he skipped college and will play until his son makes the NBA (don’t hold your breath), is nothing to be taken for granted. His trademark bullying his way to the rim with travelling and offensive fouls be damned, while actually making some outside shots on a consistent basis once every other week, is something to behold. The fact that he can not only play, but help coach, and recruit his boys to play with him as he floats from team to team, looking for anyone and everyone to help him win by doing the things he can’t do, like perform in the clutch, or to take the blame when things go wrong, is quite impressive. Some may say he is the greatest of all time… those people are idiots. HA!!!
OK, I feel better. Looking forward to going to the Hawks game even though they are light years away from the playoffs. Looking forward to seeing the first home playoff game for the Bulls in 5 years. Either way, being there in person is a great time; win or lose, I love to root for MY teams! Let’s go!
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