Of the at-most 10 regular readers of this blog, I'd guess a few might remember the first blog in the chain was, believe it or not, an NBA blog. I wasn't on that at the start, but it goes to say something that it's been over a decade since anyone's graced the pages with insights, thoughts, or jokes. It would seem we've moved on from the NBA for one reason or another. At BEST I haven't watched in over a decade. No specific reason: interest just faded and college football amped up even more taking that space in my brain.
So, when The Artest Formerly Known as Smiley asked if she should enter a raffle at work for Clippers tickets for a Saturday night game against San Antonio, I demurred. I guess it was a vague, half-hearted agreement to the idea.
Her: Wouldn't that be fun?
Me: I guess?
Her: It's in a suite! It comes with free VIP parking, too.
Me, (thinking of the pain in the ass it is to get there with any kind of traffic): That's good.
Her: The Big Scoop is starting basketball, I thought it would be good to take her there and go over stuff, get her excited about the game. You could point out some fundamentals.
Me: Thank you of thinking of me.
Well, the Clippers in November were not a hot topic, and to no surprise, we received 2 tickets. I even said that she should take the Scoop so they could bond, but the game was of even less interest to her.
And, as predicted, Dad really had to watch his language in the car as it took 50 minutes to go 13 miles and we were almost run off the Harbor Freeway. But eventually we found the VIP parking. Pretty slick for the usual going rate - easier (and closer) than the same at Dodger Stadium. Upon arrival, the walkways and concessions were merely upscale-looking versions of those in the upper deck serving the same ol slop. I was impressed by the view, however.
It was at that moment that I wished these seats were for something I really cared about. I couldn't get upset because it was a raffle - it's not like I stole 'em from someone. People slowly filed in, and the "entertainment" was a constant: someone on the mic was trying his damndest to hype everyone to what is about to occur: the Clippers are about to play!
A man in what looked like a toucan costume began to hit a giant bass drum and it went faster and faster, leading up to the lights dimming and the hype video began for all. Briefly, you see owner Steve Balmer in a construction hat in his "Forum II" in Inglewood. And while we await that completion to the arena scene of southern California, I couldn't help but think back to when I cared about the Clips. Then, as now, they were the underdog. Then they were controlled by one of the worst owners in the history of sports. Now, even though they've been better than the Lakers for the last couple of years (I think?) it's still rough rowing. At least Steve gives a shit and wants the team to grow. That made me happy. For them.
My attempts to engage in the game went for naught while we shoveled in overpriced garbage in the lounge. Each basketball topic I brought up was met with 1-word answers and then something I didn't ask about: the new Pokemon video game, over-worn anecdotes, and other items at the concession stand. (Did you know that hot chocolate is cheaper than a bottle of water?)
Come gametime, I (and the game) held her interest until the TV time out of the 1st quarter. My eyes drifted to the TV in the suite showing the Game of Games, with USC and UCLA football going back and forth. Even AT the basketball game, the other raffle winners and I were watching Dealville's big game in Pasadena. I was briefly concerned if the Scoop was bored, but then remembered she brought a book. There she sat in a lounge chair, reading, unaware of the noise around her.
I would cheer for dunks, I would say aloud how no one takes mid-range jump shots anymore, I would bemoan the audio onslaught at every waking second, but she wasn't concerned. She wasn't paying attention, and the fact that she was calm and doing her thing enforced that paying any kind of money to go to a game would be a true waste.
We left early not to beat traffic: that had subsided by that point. We left because there was no reason to stay. In the car, we didn't talk about the game, we talked about Thanksgiving. She talked about her book. Near home, I reminded her of topics she should bring up once inside for the press conference of questions.
A bit over a month ago we went to a football game for what (we hope) will be her high school. I figured it'd be more of a hang out than anything, and it was, but when asked how she liked the game and she replied, "it was delicious!" she wasn't talking about the good defensive play. I just know that food prepared by band parents is a hell of a lot cheaper than at Staples Center (I'm not going to stop calling it that). And if that's the measuring stick of sporting events, let's keep it local. I applaud Steve and his attempts to grow the Clippers. For me, I fear the ship has sailed.
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