Thank You
As I watched the clock wind down on the New Jersey Nets' season last night, I couldn't help but be a little sad. Although there were zero expectations for this team to succeed in October and they were able to take it all the way to the NBA Finals, I could not help but be disappointed with the way the season was going to end. And as the clock counted down the final seconds in the NBA season, I turned off the TV. It wasn't bad sportsmanship, or spite, that wouldn't let me watch the Lakers accept their third title in three years. I really just didn't want to accept that the season was over.
The Nets did something this year that no one believed they could pull off, and I'm not talking about being the number one seeds in the East, beating Reggie and the Pacers in double overtime in the first round, or coming back from a completely demoralizing and humiliating defeat at the hands of the Celtics in game three of the Conference Finals. No, as far as I am concerned, the greatest thing the Nets did this year was to turn me into a true NBA fan.
The Nets will be back. Game Four of the NBA Finals was by far their best showing of the series against the Lakers. Kenyon Martin had the greatest game of his young NBA career, and he and Jason Kidd will be a force to be reckoned with next season. Rod Thorn will do what is necessary in the offseason to improve an already strong Nets squad.
For the first time in my life, I am looking forward to next NBA season. Thank you, Nets. Thank you.
June 13, 2002 - 10:01 PM