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Have you ever felt as if you’ve had a massive hangover when you haven’t imbibed for even a sip?
Welcome to my Friday! But, oh so happily, there is a quite valid reason for my thoughts that I just might have been run over by a truck or fell out of my comfy bed in my sleepy times.
Playoffs.Yes, playoffs. In Oklahoma City. What? You didn’t know there was a team here because you live under a rock? Well, it’s time to get out and shake off those cobwebs. Not only is there a team here in the heartland, but a PLAYOFF team, nonetheless.
It made no difference to the packed house in the Ford Center last night that the Thunder were down 2-0 in their series after dropping both games in L.A., the second of which was more than winnable. It made no difference that OKC is a so-called small market playing a giant when the packed crowd showed up for the “blue out”.
After screaming for two hours, waving a pom pom, jumping up and down and willing the home team to victory I was feeling less than 100% when I awoke two hours later than anticipated today. I have worn my scratchy voice, headache from the crazy loudness and sore arms from clapping and cheering as a badge of pride. Heck, even the fact that I was one of the select few to attend the game after a quick sell-out of the playoff tickets is a source of pride and joy. Because last night – on that fair Thursday in April that shant be forgotten – Oklahoma City was the better team and ended as the victors, handing the defending champion Lakers a big, fat L in this opening playoff series.
And last night, I witnessed perhaps one of the best sporting events in my history – the crowd, the atmosphere, the win (of course) and even the great free blue shirts a testament to a ‘Big League City’. A testament to the fans, and to the youngsters who lace ‘em up every day, proud to play for Oklahoma City.
So as we all relish in this first foray into a major league playoff victory, remember the teams that came before – the brief stint as a temporary home to the Hornets, the 89ers, the Redhawks, the Calvary, the YardDawgz and the Blazers, to name a few – that Big League takes work. And dedication. And heart. And crazy fans like those who were seen last night at the first playoff game for Oklahoma City.
And for those who’ve paved the way, I would like to personally give a big thank you. Thank you for showing through your respective clubs that sports can indeed flourish and thrive in Oklahoma City. Thank you for supporting this city and this state with quality and excellence.
Thank you for paving the way for my Friday hangover of happiness.
To see a brief snippet of the closing seconds of the game as seen from my seat, click here.
