This was originally written around midnight September 30, 2009. Before Phoenix won their second championship. I post it here for posterity.
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Tonight I witnessed what could possibly be the best basketball game in history. Notice I didn’t say I watched it. In my mind, watching is passive. It’s like observing, where you don’t have a part in the event. I believe witnessing implies active participation in the event and can share the joy or sorrow with the other characters. Tonight, I witnessed a fantastic basketball game.
Of course I didn’t play in the game. Hell, I wasn’t even in the same STATE, but I know and feel that I was there. I was in a seat (or not in a seat because I had to stand) in that building even if it was all in my mind!
Everyone probably knows that I started watching basketball because of Diana Taurasi. I stumbled across a picture of her back in 2002 and I was instantly hooked. I've seen so many pictures of her since then that I don't remember which picture it was that stopped me in my tracks that day. I suppose some of you will say that I'm demented or lewd or not a real fan because her smile hooked me. I don't care. To me, it's not how the fan is born…but how long they stay alive. And it's no longer just her smile that has me hooked. You know, when you get hooked on a drug, your body needs it. It feeds off of it and won't work properly unless you get it. Women's basketball (college and pro) is my drug.
I’m addicted to Cappie's shot from the perimeter. Penny Taylor’s dedication in spite of injury. Sue Bird playing even though her beak is broken. Michelle Van Gorp coming out and being proud of it. Watching the USA Women’s Basketball team during the Olympics and crying during the gold medal ceremony. I’m addicted to the thrill of competition. Knowing that this is the game the way it's supposed to be played. Realizing that they're getting paid crap to do something they love and they wouldn't be doing anything else. They also actually feel blessed to have fans so dedicated. And those fans sit around and wonder how they could watch a game and NOT be dedicated! They remember if it weren't for our asses (large and small) in those seats, they wouldn't be able to do this.
I'll tell you what it is…it's love. It's love for people, it's their love for the game, it's my love for women's sports. Love is energy. And I would venture to say that there was no other place on this planet that was filled with more energy and love than Phoenix tonight. You know…love is a weird thing. It comes in so many forms and is born out of so many circumstances. There are levels and facets of it that I can't even begin to understand. But one thing I do know: Your first love is something that sticks with you. And the Phoenix Mercury was my first love when it comes to WNBA teams.
I couldn't be there physically tonight when that horn sounded at the end of the best basketball game ever. But I felt the pride and the sting of the tears. I felt the beginning of something I'll look back on and say, "I was watching when…" I just know it's their year. I can feel it in my fingertips as I type this. I dreamt about it last night. I can see it in their eyes. And if wanting a trophy could earn you the title, they’d have it by now. I think they're gonna take it.
But even if they don't…. Even if they lose 2 and the Fever wins, I won't be upset. I will not be sad. They’ve given me so much in the past 5 years that I can't ask for anything more. They are my team and my Girls of Summer. Physically I will be in my living room cheering them on. Mentally I’ll be sitting on the sidelines sending them good vibes and tons of rebounds. And when they win, I’ll be crying with the rest of the Brigade. Regardless, I will be proud. For they are wonderful, talented, and great! They are mine…and I love this team.
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