6 Thoughts
1) Heat's first look at Dos' projected champions this year went well for three quarters before falling apart over the last 8 minutes. Miami, overwhelmed size-wise on the front line, used its quickness to defend and hold the Cavs to 41% for the game. However, old friend Bennett Salvatore was on hand to officiate - the last time Miami saw him the Golden State Warriors set a record for free throws in a a game against Miami. Let's just say Bennett loves blowing his whistle. As much as the 35-20 free throw disparity hurt Miami, the game's most bizarre call went their way late. After a Daequan Cook three cut the Cavs lead to 4 with 20 seconds to go, Cleveland immediately inbounded the ball and both Wade and Chalmers ran to the recipient to foul him on purpose, to stop the clock. After the third or fourth whack went uncalled by Salvatore, standing about 4 feet from the play, the ball was jarred loose and Miami retrieved it for an open look at a 3 that would have thrown the outcome in to jeopardy. It didn't go, and Cleveland survived another bizarre Bennett moment.
2) Both coaches treated the game like a big one - LeBron played 43 minutes, 7 above his average, and Wade played 40, 4 above his. That, plus a raucous sellout Cleveland crowd, and some physical play, gave the game an almost-playoff like atmosphere down the stretch. Coach Spo even took a rare swipe at the referrees, citing two non-calls that helped turn the game Cleveland's way early in the 4th quarter. It is a big game when Spo complains about officiating - I don't believe that I have heard him do it before. Bennett Salvatore - bringing out out the worst in people. The Cavs are 16-0 at home after the win. That is what championship teams do - find a way to win on the home court, even on an off night, even when the other team comes after you hard.
3) Nice halftime piece on Shawn Marion's efforts to spread Christmas cheer amongst less fortunate Miami families. Highlight of the segment involved Marion getting up in to an obviously terrified two year old, shoving a gift in his chest, and repeatedly ordering him to "open it up," as the kid cowered in fear. Marion wearing a fairly clean 'Connery' t-shirt and a Santa hat perched somewhat askew on his head. Arguably had dipped in to the "egg nog" before visiting homes. A Christmas that youngster will never forget, unfortunately.
4) Mike Beasley showed that, yes, he can actually jump on a ridiculous 4th quarter tomahawk dunk over Ilgauskas, on which he switched hands going to the rim. He, at times, lacks deciveness, still, and is a better athlete than he shows. He often gets caught standing around and lightly hops off the ground instead of gathering himself and exploding. On this evening, though, went to the basket hard several times, and got frustrated when he felt he wasn't rewarded with free throws a couple times. Still, his increased agressiveness will serve him well - certainly didn't seem out of place against one of the best teams in basketball.
5) LeBron James is ridiculous. Shot 12-19 for 33 points. Made innumerable tough jumpers over Shawn "Bad Santa" Marion, who played him about as tough as is possible. Also had 9 assists, often driving, drawing defenders, and firing passes out to the perimeter for open 3s. It is impossible to stop because his size allows him to throw those passes over the top, easily. Generally, Wade is his equal in many ways, and played well tonight with 29 points and 8 assists of his own. But beyond the fact that LeBron is the more physically imposing of the two - probably 5" inches taller and 40 pounds heavier, is the fact that he is three years younger. Wade is about to turn 27 in January - in a couple of days LeBron will turn 24. That is unfathomable. How can he be 24? I am not even going for the "he looks..." joke, or anything - just marveling at it. How can he be 24? Michael Jordan wasn't this good when he was 24. He was a better scorer, but he wasn't this good a player. LeBron is efficient, something Jordan didn't develop until later on. Wow. If LeBron wins this title, how many does he win? With a group roughly as good as the one he has now, he has to be favored every year, seemingly...We could be watching the player who actually eclipses Jordan...
6) Restaurant review: Forte di Asprinio in downtown West Palm Beach. First of all, Steven Asprinio is reknowned for his participation on Bravo's Top Chef show, which I have never seen. I prefer the far gay-er Food Network. Second, it is a travesty that on a Saturday night in West Palm Beach during the holiday season, there are approximately 400,000 people in Cityplace watching fake snow/soap suds being blown out of a palm tree and stuffing themselves at the Cheesecake Factory when they could be easing back on Clematis Street at one of several ultra-cool restaurants, Asprinio's included. All purple-y neon lighting, and modern, stark white furniture give it a South Beach hipster vibe, while the deconstructed dishes and emphasis on foam emulsion put it in the 'foodie' category. But it totally delivers. Summer squash raviolis with crystallized marshmellows and a feather-light vinagrette was sweet, as was the Atlantic Char with tart apples and pork belly. Also, both the waitress and the bus boy were drawn in to the table's Tom Petty debate, still raging over the "Mudcrutch incident" from several days previous. Mami Minutos, originally contending that she does not like, and never did like, Petty - before finally conceding that much of her trepidation is over the fact that his fans "seem like they would be racist." Waitress seemed slightly taken aback at this premise when it was posited to her by Dos. Still, an enjoyable evening, made all the better as we left humming "American Girl." Or, at least I did.
