Tonight we would finally get to go and watch an NBA basketball game at the famous Madison Square Garden. We set off on foot down 7th Avenue. Near the corner of 7th Avenue and 35th Street we found a small diner called Al's Deli. We stopped for a quick note to eat. There was plenty of choice and excellent prices.
Once we arrived at Madison Square Gardens we passed through security and then made our way to Tower B and the main concourse to our seats. This process was surprisingly easy given the number of people. We were really pleased with the view from our seats. Also, the boys were really happy when they were able to buy an enormous bag of fairy floss, called "fluff" by Ryan, and a Cat in the Hat style Knicks hat.
We watched the players from the Knicks and the Washington Wizards do their warm up. The announcer described the players from each team. It was rarely for any of them to be less than 6ft tall. With the warm up complete the players and officials took to the court for the singing of the American National Anthem by a local Opera singer. It was then game time.
The speed and physicality of the action was incredible. Early on the Knicks took a commanding lead thanks in no small part to the large number of 3 pointers they were hitting. We were treated to turn overs, fouls, slam dunks and ally oops, all the while the Knicks leading the way. We didn't know much about the current Knicks player roster so were really pleased to find that #7 Carmelo Anthony is the current NBA highest pointers scorer. He had just come off 3 games of consecutive scores in the 40s and he didn't disappoint tonight.
The game was great. The entertainment between quarters was also entertaining. There was the obligatory Knicks cheerleaders, a shooting competition where a local woman shot for and won $1110, another competition where 2 lucky season ticket holders who had renewed their membership for next season had the opportunity to win $10000. One woman, who had the briefcase containing the $10000 sign, had to choose whether to shoot from the free throw line, or to allow another gentleman with the wild card sign to shoot. If she shot and scored she would win $10000 but if she missed he would win the $10000. Similarly, if she allowed him to shoot if he missed she would win the money but if he scored he would keep it. She was not the most athletic looking person but decided much to the crowds approval to take the shot. She shot and SCORED...earning herself $10000. It was great to watch.
Often at the Knicks games there are celebrities galore court side. Tonight we saw a Victoria Secret model, Doutzen Kroes and actor, Ryan Phillippe.
During the half time break Connor chose to buy a Knicks singlet top and to wear it for the remainder of the game. We also decided to get some drinks as poor Ryan was still feeling unwell. We chose 2 bottles of water and a Budweiser for David. When he got to the cashier he was asked to provide ID for the beer. He was rather amused to be asked for ID as a 38 year old. He showed his Australian Driver's licence but it was not considered sufficient he would need to show his passport which was back at the hotel....so no beer for the young man!!!!
The second half of the game also did not disappoint with the action still being thick and fast. At the conclusion of the game the Knicks would win 120 to 96. This meant not only taking the win for the night but also taking out the Atlantic Division Championship for the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment