In the brightest lights, the best player — and classiest coach — showed us what they’re made of

His stone face never did convey emotions, not even for a moment. At least not until the end. And in defeat, San Antonio Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich was smiling. How, I don’t know. He and the Spurs waged war for a full seven games, and nearly upset the Miami Heat to claim the organization’s fifth NBA championship.

Only the 1977-78 Washington Bullets have won a game seven on the road, and that won’t change after the Heat prevailed 95-88 Thursday night in Miami.

In the final game of this NBA season, legacies were at stake, they said. One game would shape the narrative for entire careers, they said.

And I suppose that’s right.

But Greg Popovich’s legacy is firmly intact. So is Tim Duncan’s. Those two walk away from their last chance, at least as coach and player, to win another title. They beat a 22-year-old LeBron in 2007. That version of James, though, didn’t have the 28-year-old’s jump shot, nor his savviness. And he knocked down a 17-footer in the biggest play of the night.

And now fans of LeBron can use Game 7 against the San Antonio Spurs as final proof that the King is indeed clutch. His 13-point third quarter was a thing of beauty. He attacked the rim as only a 6-foot-8, 250-pound small forward with elite athleticism can, using both power and speed.

James, finally it seems, showed he can unleash all his gifts to propel his squad past any and all competitors. James went to the post, drained 3-pointers and commanded the floor like the best player in the world is supposed to.

That’s all we really want from LeBron. He can win regular-season MVPs, and he can direct the Heat to 27-game winning steaks. That’s fine, but in the playoffs we’ll take nothing less than a supreme (and winning) effort, sans headband even.

So let’s step back, just for a moment, and soak in what we’ve seen from James. He played 45 minutes, scored 37 points, nabbed 12 rebounds, dished four assists and made 12 of 23 field goal attempts, including five 3-pointers. It’s the best player post-Jordan dominating at the peak of his powers.

If he had instead scored something more like 18 points, managed a mere handful of rebounds and bumbled the ball away for more turnovers than assists in a Heat loss, James would’ve been the lead story today. Instead, he was magnificent. He was Michael Jordan posting 33 points in a close-out game of Phoenix in 1993, or Larry Bird cranking out a triple-double to end the 1986 NBA Finals.

James was the best player on the floor, and the driving reason the Heat managed to beat the Spurs.

Was it everything NBA fans wanted, demanded even, in a Game 7?    Games 2, 3, 4 and 5 — all decided by at least 10 points — were as exciting as Grandma’s 80th birthday party. Through the first three contests, James scored 18, 17 and 15 points. With the NHL Stanley Cup battling into the early morning hours, NBA fans were left with duds.

But as it turns out, the Heat and Spurs were saving their best for last. Even Manu Ginóbili seemed to shake out of his malaise — or is it just old age? — for a few moments of brilliance.

Yet, even after seven games, LeBron’s pronounced block on Tiago Splitter’s attempted dunk, Tony Parker’s Cirque du Soleil shot in Game 1 and Tim Duncan’s temporary revival in the first half of Game 6 all dim to Popovich.

Because there he was smiling, shaking hands, telling Heat players congratulations with apparent genuineness afterwards. I’m sure Pop wasn’t smiling as he addressed his team in the locker room. But as he grinned, even laughed a little with Erik Spoelstra and Miami’s coaching staff, I couldn’t help but think that he’s the one who’s figured out the sporting life.

A fifth title would’ve been nice, yes, but would it really have changed his standing in the league? Thursday morning, in a shootaround before the decisive 48 minutes of Game 7, Popovich addressed the media. He was asked about his legacy.

"Food and wine,” he said, “it's just a job."

In her own words: Dela Cruz writes about experiences with Philippine National Team

Maria Dela Cruz, a junior goalkeeper for Idaho State soccer, played for the Philippine National Team as part of the 2014 Asian Cup Qualifiers. For more information on that, click here and here.

Now some comments on her trip in her own words.


Where do I even begin? This whole journey has been life changing. I can honestly say it was the most amazing experience I have ever been through. I have learned so much in the past month than I could have ever imagined. There were many different encounters I went through that have shifted my perspective about life in a third world country. Though I have been to the Philippines countless times, observing the poverty there compared to the poverty in Bangladesh was entirely different. I did not expect Bangladesh to be such a run-down country, with traffic and pollution flooding the streets, disintegrating buildings everywhere you looked and unearthly smells that were foreign to me. The people that worked for FIFA, assisting us throughout the journey, were incredibly kind. They were always concerned about our well-being, which was reassuring to a team that had never been in such a country.

Coming into the first practice, I was extremely nervous and had no idea what to expect. A few practices in, I found myself constantly laughing and talking among these girls that I had barely even known. Having similar backgrounds, we found out that we all had many things in common, which allowed us to become even closer. As the weeks went on, I felt like I had known these girls for many years, it was so comfortable being around them. The team was unlike any other team I had been on. Every single girl had a positive attitude, they all were amazing soccer players and overall they were just genuine people. The coaching staff was very professional (as expected) and demanded exactly what they needed from their players.

After our first win against Iran, we felt like we were on top of the world. We knew we had made not only our families proud, but we made an entire country proud. That feeling brings chills to me whenever I think about it. The game against Thailand was unfortunately a different story.

The outcome was not as we had hoped for, but seeing they were ranked 54 places above us losing by a lone goal gave this young team hope for the future. Our last game was against the host team, Bangladesh. We had come back with a vengeance after the Thailand game and successfully placed four goals in the back of the net to their zero. All in all, I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished in such a short amount of time together. The future of this team is bright, we can only go up from here. Go Malditas!

In her own words: ISU's Galasso heads to China to play softball

Vicky Galasso, an in-coming junior catcher for Idaho State's softball team, will play softball in China this summer for Athletes in Action. She's keeping a blog of sorts as part of her experience.

So in her own words ...
 
Greetings from the Great Wall!

As I embark on this journey I begin to reflect on my season, our successes as a team and the hope for the future of next year's team. I wanted to go on this trip to not only better myself physically but spiritually as well, and try to make a lasting impact on a rarely-reached nation overseas.

Athletes in action is a Christian sports ministry sponsoring the trip, and I had to fund raise myself about $4,000 just to be able to go. So THANK YOU to everyone up front for their prayers and support. I really appreciate it.

Our training camp before this trip consisted of two-a-day practices, along with an immense amount of cultural training. ... Which, to say the least, has been nothing but interesting. For example, I have been warned to do some stretching and keep my quads in shape because people over there have to do their business in either a troth or a hole in the ground (rightly nicknamed a "squatty potty"). Also, some delicious items on the menu may be chicken feet, dog and sea cucumber. I did hear, however, that they serve watermelon for dessert, which I will greatly appreciate! I am trying to become a part of the "100 percent club" which is where you have to try EVERYTHING you come in contact with over there. Needless to say I brought a gallon Baggie full of tums, ibuprofen and probiotics.

While we are over there, we will be playing about one game a day for 20 days straight, getting the provincial teams ready for their China ational games in August. Kind of like we have different states here in the U.S,, China has different teams representing each province there, with a mix of Olympians on each team ... just some gold medalist ladies! I have been told they have gold stars on their cleats, so they are easily recognized.

All I can say is that I have the perfect combination of nerves and excitement for this journey! I will come back with some new friends, new stories, and new memories to share with everyone, along with some broken Chinese phrases. I will represent ISU with some pride!

The return of Tim Tebow

During every NBA Finals game, we’re subjected to 30 seconds of television as cringeworthy as an episode of Teen Mom on MTV. By this point we all know the interviews between quarters with the impatient coach and timid sideline reporter are terrible, useless and futile.

It’s the playoffs, the most important games of the season. No matter what a coach accomplishes in the regular season, their livelihood is at stake if they don’t deliver in the playoffs — just ask 2012-13 NBA Coach of the Year George Karl, previously with the Denver Nuggets.

"So, coach, LeBron just scored 12 straight points and the Heat are up by 19 after the third quarter. What do you need to do better in the fourth to make a game of it?”

“Well, uh, that guy is pretty good. He just made shots.”

You know what, I’d almost — almost — rather watch another 30-second Capital One commercial than another in-game head coach interview.

But at least those sound bites are quick and we can all move on after the action picks back up again in the ensuing quarter, something that’s impossible during press conferences with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Whether his team just won a playoff game or it’s the start of fall camp, Belichick takes the podium, reluctantly. He’s well-known for his short, vague answers that reveal no emotions, and, certainly, never venture into any kind of answer that could give away a game plan or provide bulletin-board quotes for an opposing coach (as if Patriot opponents need any kind of added motivation to beat New England).

It’s not yet mid-June and Belichick was already in midseason form behind the podium as he answered questions about the Patriots’ newest free-agent signing. You might have heard something about it. It seems like one or two of the major media outlets covering the NFL mentioned TIM TEBOW HAS SIGNED WITH THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS.

Tebow was cut by the dumpster fire known as the New York Jets April 29, about 26 months after finding Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yard touchdown in the first play of overtime during the Denver Broncos’ 29-23 playoff victory, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Since that magical, unbelievable, reason-to-watch-sports moment, Tebow’s NFL career has been on a precipitous decline.

Tebow was traded from the Broncos to the Jets in March of 2012. He threw eight passes — completing six — for 39 yards and he ran the football 32 times for another 102 yards. Tebow never scored nor did he commit a turnover (he had 29 touchdowns and 15 turnovers with the Broncos).

Since Tebow was cut by the Jets, NFL insiders and pundits speculated that his time in the league was over. Few teams appeared even mildly interested in the 25-year-old lefty.

That’s until the Patriots and cheery Belichick stepped in and offered Tebow a two-year contract for the veteran minimum that includes no guaranteed money.

Coach, what do you think of your new quarterback?    

“Anything we do is in the best interest of the team,” Belichick said during a news conference Tuesday. “Tim’s a talented player that’s smart and works hard, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Coach, how much consideration did you give to the idea that Tebow’s value might be outweighed by the amount of media attention he’ll bring?

“None, (we) try to do what’s best for the team.”

How do you plan to use him? What position?

“We’re going to do what’s best for our football team. We’ll see.”

Do you think you might use him on special teams, defense, an additional offense?

“I don’t know. We’ll see.”

Belichick answered every question with his typical dry, monotone voice and he did his very best to repeat as many times as he could the mantra Tim Tebow is a talented player who works hard.

So as of now, the Patriots have three quarterbacks on their roster. Tebow, Ryan Mallett and Tom “Tebow is never going to take a snap away from me in the red zone” Brady.

From the outside looking in it’s just as likely the Patriots will cut Tebow before New England’s first game of the 2013 season as it is he’ll make it through the entire year in a Patriots’ uniform.

And if Tebow does survive the rigors of fall camp and suits up for that opening game, no one knows if he’ll play quarterback, full back, h-back, tight end or clip board holder on the sideline.

But we do know that Belichick isn’t going to tell anyone outside of the Patriots’ organization a thing — other than, you know, he’s a hard worker, talented and smart.

It’s June, the first game of the NFL season is 84 days away and Tim Tebow is back. So step aside the NBA Finals and Tiger Wood’s personal life, the biggest non-story in sports has returned.

Farewell to the 2012-13 Indiana Pacers

While the Miami Heat hogged the NBA spotlight with the league MVP and a never-ending 27-game winning streak, the Indiana Pacers trudged through the regular season — silently.

The Pacers won 49 games (eighth best in the NBA) and they did it with a clammed-up defense that protected the rim and gobbled up boards while trying to suffocate opponents.

Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls’ defense was, statistically, just as good, but they attracted greater media attention than Indiana with the entire Derrick Rose should he or shouldn’t he play with a healthy knee and healing mind situation.

Out West, the Lakers mostly stunk and Dwight Howard’s back never seemed right, but they still managed to steal the spotlight from the Pacers, too.

The Knicks rained in more 3-pointers than anybody else and managed to snag the East’s second seed. And the Knicks reside in New York, so of course the focus shifted to Carmelo Anthony and his one MVP vote before anything came up about Indiana.

Fans of the Pacers didn’t seem to mind any of this, though. Indiana was 25th in league attendance.

The lowly, awful, destined-for-a-top-lottery-pick (again) Charlotte Bobcats coerced more fans to their home games than the Pacers. And somehow the Orlando Magic, on the way to a 20-win season, devoid of a star, led by leading scorer Arron Afflalo, averaged 2,326 more fans a night at home games.

NBA fans in New York or Los Angeles felt indifferent to the Pacers. Apparently, so did Pacer fans.

When the playoffs started, the talking TV heads largely followed suit with the rest of America and ignored Indiana. In the East, the consensus was that ...

1) The NBA title was Miami’s to lose.

2) Maybe the Knicks, with floor spacing and all their 3-point shooters, could force a six-game series, otherwise, the Heat would steamroll to the Finals.

3) The NBA Finals were the only place LeBron and company would bump into any kind of dangerous adversary.

The narrative made sense. Rose never did return from a shattered confidence. Boston had lost Rajon Rondo in January after tearing up his knee, and Indiana’s Danny Granger played in five games before he bowed out to undergo season-ending surgery.

And the Knicks, gosh, who really thought that New York, led by the shoot-first, play-defense-later Carmelo Anthony could or would threaten the defending champs?

Before Miami faced Indiana in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Heat dispatched the Milwaukee Bucks in four games and the limping Bulls in five.

Indiana needed a full six games to bury the Atlanta Hawks and another six to embalm the self-combusting New York Knicks.

So the over-looked, never-appreciated Pacers and the Miami Heat meet in the Eastern Finals.

LeBron and his “others” versus Roy Hibbert (that really tall guy), David West (the dude with the Xavier tattoo) and Paul (what school did he go to?) George.

It turned out as the best series in this year’s playoffs. LeBron hit the winner in game one, the Pacers fought back in game two and so on it went. Each team exchanged blows, both fan bases remained convinced the referees were completely one sided and we all got to see a seventh game — which was admittedly a total dud.

Miami ran away with a 23-point blowout, but the Pacers proved there’s still room in the league, and there always will be, for teams that believe in the old stand-by principles that size matters and defense plus rebounding leads to wins.

And judging by the packed and delirious Bankers Life Fieldhouse, where the Pacers were 8-1 in the playoffs, fans in and around Indiana might have figured out they have an NBA team worth rooting for.