Sports, even women's sports, have always been a boys' club. While I'd like to think I've made small strides in the reporting of sports with my weekly video NFL picks, when it comes to the mass media, it's still male dominated. Therefore I've decided to go behind the scenes at some NBA games and get the scoop from the female perspective.
As I walked in the media entrance at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, I got the first of many "You're a writer?!" stares. A woman, any woman, would stand out; so an attractive one only makes the situation even more confusing to the rows of older, sun-starved men in polo shirts. I found my seat in the media section settled in to watch one of the most anticipated games of the year between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics.
The Cavs came into Friday night's match-up unbeaten at home while the Celtics were still reeling from three tough losses in a row. Many were anxious to see if the Cavaliers would be able to continue the dominance they have had this season against a formidable opponent like the Celtics without their big man up front, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who is out with an ankle injury. Though the Cavs lead the entire game, there was no shortage of action as the Celtics gave the Cavs everything they had. In the end however, they were out matched and outscored time and time again.
I must take a moment for fashion before I get to the action of the game. The Cavs wore a tribute to the 1970s hardwood classic jersey and donned a blue and yellow number. I'm tempted to say that this further shows how deep down, even Ohioans (is that a word?) love the Maize and Blue, but I digress. The uniforms were fashionable but a part of me wished they would have also donned the short-shorts of the 70s to go with them. I'm pretty sure I was the only reporter there with that thought.
Ben Wallace opened the game with a big slam that brought the crowd to its feet and set the tone for the game. When the first 4 of the opening 8 points of the game are scored by Big Ben, a player who usually get 4 points the whole game, you can rest assured the game is going to be face paced. The big men were an integral part of the entire game. Anderson Varejao and Ben Wallace for the Cavs and Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett of the Celtics were doing most of the work on both ends of the floor in the first half of the game. In fact, KG and Kendrick Perkins were the leading scorers for the Celtics. Without Z it was good to see Andy and Big Ben step in a way that you barely noticed Z's absence.
Though the Celtics came out re-energized after the half and brought them to within 3, it was as close as they would get. The Cavs continued the good team ball that had served them well in the first half. LeBron James looked for the open man and came up with 6 assists and also took over in the 3rd quarter and went on a scoring spree when it looked like the Celtics might be making a come back. The "Big 3" looked almost in as poor condition as Detroit's Big Three as they all left the game with over 4 minutes left to play.
Frustration was apparent in the Celtics play as Paul Pierce went into the crowd after falling back after a shot attempt. The fan pushed Pierce back up and Pierce came up with a look of disgust that was more disdain than "Sorry I just fell into you guy." Kevin Garnett also had more than a few choice words with LeBron during the game. While lip reading from media seats is pretty difficult, it was clear that whatever was said wasn't pleasant. One can only hope that they will "mic up" NBA players they way they do NFL players so we can know what is really said. I'm sure all the friendly trash talk will make for good future stories. The Celtics even attempted to "hack a Ben" in the waning minutes of the 4th quarter but the big man stepped up to knock down 5 out of 10 free throws.
As I made my way to the locker room, the stares continued. Though I did come across a woman or two typing way on her Blackberry the cameramen still looked at me as if I were an alien. I think I even caught Mike Brown doing a double take as the crowd parted and I was able to sneak my 5'5 frame up to the front of media clamoring for a post-game interview. As I neared LeBron James I sensed that the onlookers suspected I'd rather have a date than an interview. When asked about the team's performance LeBron James replied, "We want the team to get better and we got better tonight." If this performance means the Cavs has just gotten better, any future opponent will have to be sure to bring their 'A' game if they hope to have any chance of beating the Cavs, especially if they play at home. LeBron said they have to "lock down their home court" and indeed they have. The Cavs are now 19-0 at home and are looking pretty unstoppable. The Q has become a fortress ruled by King James and even giving your heart and soul to the game won't save you from your eventual doom.