If the rain must fall, then why can't it happen on someone else's time?
On Sunday, I was slated to make my Wrigley Field debut as the Cubs looked to take the series 3-1 from the Cardinals on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. The tickets were a birthday present.
First career Sunday Night game. First career rainout. Hardly joyfull and triumphant.
The unfortunate brake in the baseball action gives us a chance to catch up on some other topics, most notably the Bulls surprising/shocking/altogether scintillating Game 1 victory over Boston at the Garden. Behind Derrick Rose's 36 points and 11 assists, the Bulls held on for the crucial 105-103 overtime win. This was the first time in 11 tries that the Bulls have beaten the Celtics in the Playoffs, something that even Michael couldn't do.
[Somewhat related note: Larry Bird famously noted after Jordan dropped 63 on Boston in Game 2 of the 1986 Playoffs, “I think he’s God disguised as Michael Jordan.” Needless to say, Derrick Rose and the kids just etched a place in the Bulls Pantheon right next to the man that can only be described as the closest thing to God that God would allow. Good for them.]
Rose was otherworldly, shunning any doubts that his rookie status would prevent him from shining on the NBA's brightest stage. He outdueled his point guard counterpart, Rajon Rondo, and single-handedly stiffled a Celtic rally in the third quarter by hitting five straight shots, several of which belong on his season highlight reel.
Not on Rose's level, but still impressive nevertheless, was Joakim Noah. The former college star returned to the postseason for the first time since his championship season at Florida and didn't disappoint, working awfully well with Rose and stiffling the Boston attack on the glass. Yes, Noah's affectiveness was due in large part to the absence of Kevin Garnett, but Boston went 18-7 this year without the Big Ticket. It's safe to say Noah didn't grab 17 rebounds against a YMCA grade school team.
Don't pencil in the Bulls for the second round just yet, but heading back to Chicaog up 2-0 or even 1-1 gives them a fighting chance for advancing. Game 1 showed that the Bulls DO want it and the Celtics aren't infallible. Also, don't be surprised if KG shows up should the Bulls take a two-game lead, either 2-0 or 3-1. Can anyone say Willis Reed?
Additionally, the Blackhawks opened up a 2-0 series lead against the Calgary Flames. Combined with the growing fuss over Jay Cutler's nightlife, Chicago has become THE sports hub of known world.
Let's just hope the Cubs can beat the rain and keep up.
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Trevor Sierra and I were supposed to be there Sunday as well! We were in Wrigleyville for about an hour until they officially postponed it. We'll most likely be there for the make-up game.
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