Sports fans are currently experiencing one of the most exciting moments in the world of professional sports.
This is the time of year when fans are treated by not one, but two professional sports leagues showcasing teams that are vying for world championships: The San Antonio Spurs are playing the Miami Heat for the title in the National Basketball Association, and the Boston Bruins are in the early stages of their Stanley Cup finals against the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League.
In the NBA, the Spurs took a 3-2 lead against Miami after winning Sunday night’s game. In the Stanley Cup, the Bruins evened the series at 1-1 on Saturday night after winning in overtime.
Both series have been exciting and represent the pinnacle of sports with their tenacity and high level of play.
In the NBA series, it’s a matter of attrition as neither team has won consecutive games. It’s more of a case of “anything you can do, I can do better.” In one game, the Spurs walloped the Heat and the next night Miami shined as its All-World player LeBron James and superstar Dwayne Wade rose to the occasion and willed their team to a win.
The series also showcases the talent of James, who could go down in history as the best basketball player to have ever played the game, stripping former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan of that title.
Even if people are just casual sports fans, it’s hard to believe that they could not be excited by this championship series. The Spurs’ Tim Duncan is a future Hall-of-Fame player, as are James and Wade. They have supporting casts that are rising to the occasion on the ultimate stage, and the fans are the people who benefit.
If basketball isn’t that exciting, then switch over to the Stanley Cup championship where the Bruins and Blackhawks have yet to disappoint in the first two games of the series.
Chicago won in triple overtime in Game 1 ”“ the longest game in Stanley Cup history ”“ and the Bruins won Game 2, 2-1, in overtime after a brilliant performance by goalie Tuukka Rask, who stopped 19 shots in the first period.
The defense in Game 2 was impeccable from both teams, as they have played at the highest level of the game.
Even if people are not fans of Chicago or Boston, they should be thrilled by the performances these two teams are showing. It’s entertainment, and emotions run high so it’s riveting for any spectator.
Sports in themselves are usually exciting, but the championships tend be less eventful as they can’t live up to hyperbole, but these two series have shown the sports world that the four teams playing for their respective championships are the best their leagues had to offer.
That is the way it should be. If one hasn’t had a chance to watch a game in either series, do it now before it’s too late.
Ӣ Ӣ Ӣ
Today’s editorial was written by Sports Editor Al Edwards on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
