The Detroit Pistons, after a 14-year hiatus from the Larry O’Brien Trophy, claimed the NBA title last night over the LA Lakers in what can only be considered a significant upset. So many things to be happy about if you are an NBA fan and Rockets fan…
For one, the Fakers…er…Lakers lost. I heard actor Ben Stiller on the radio the other day and he grew up a Knicks fan and said that LA seems to have such a sense of entitlement when it comes to the NBA that it is good to see them get knocked off. Damn straight.
Another key to this series was the fact that it helped to balance some of the power across the league. It means the Eastern Conference is tougher than most gave it credit and that’s good for fans across the spectrum.
Even better is the fact that Detroit led the league in attendance and the ratings for the finals were off the charts. Games 1 through 3 ranked at the top of the Neilsen Ratings last week. Considering that the NHL Stanley Cup finals were beaten by re-runs of the Cosby Show and Full House (true story), that is quite an accomplishment.
Most importantly, KarlA Malone, the power forward all Rocket fans love to hate, once again missed an opportunity for a championship ring. Awwwwwwwww! How sad.
I don’t like to root for the disappointment of people, but with Malone, I’ll make an exception.
Now, if the Rockets can just get their act together for next season, we’ll be in great shape.