Black Thought

"You ain't got to feel no way about Jay...so long...but at least let me tell you why I'm this way, hold on..."

Jay - Z - December 4

I attended the Washington Wizards home game on Sunday, January 4th...as they played host to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In recent years, these two teams have played in some memorable regular season and playoff matches...however I had no idea what would transpire that day at the Verizon Center.

Box Score

I've had time to reflect since my afternoon in the nation's capital, and the aftermath of that game is the exact reason why I am so passionate about writing. You see, the words journalist and writer are given to people, and while most are very deserving, there are many that take that honor for granted. 

The Wizards outlasted the Cavs as Antawn Jamison hit a baseline jump shot with 10.6 or so seconds left in the game...setting the stage for LeBron James to force an overtime session or win it all. My ace cameraman and friend Jeff Young turned to me and said, 'Bron is going to drive to the basket...naturally I agreed with him. At 6'8", 250lbs, he is a force, and at full speed...he equivalent to a runaway train...and true to form, after a Cleveland time out, James received the ball on the left elbow, made his hesitation "crab dribble" move...took a hit, and connected on the basket. The game was now tied, and with an opportunity to go to the free throw line, the outcome was in LeBron's hands...however the referee called a traveling violation, and the media or so-called media took the "crab dribble"...and traveled with it. 

I'm sick of these folks that didn't attend the game, that have great insight and an expert opinion. I go to games, I conduct pre and post game interviews. I am a JOURNALIST. GAME TIME with AG. is not your typical blog...I'm not sitting on the couch watching television, spewing venom. My job is to ask questions, and type up the answers...and as a black man, I want to build and uplift my heritage, because if I choose not too, then who will?

The video above took place directly after the media left the vistor's locker room. Prior to that, I made my way amongst my colleagues, and this is what LeBron had to say...addressing us all after a tough 80-77 loss...scoring 30 points, to go along with 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. He did however have 7 turnovers, and even for the best of the best, that is 7 too many:

LeBron James

On the game:

"It seems like we don't get going, when we don't make shots. When we make shots, it allows us to flow better. We held them to 41% from the field, which is better than our season average...we have to work on turning the ball over on the road, and improving our second chance opportunities."

On the Washington Wizards:

"The Wizards did a great job of outworking us today. They had 19 offensive rebounds which helped them a lot. They're a team that shoots a lot of long jumpers, so it is important that we rebound at our end better."

At the end of the game what did you talk to Caron Butler about?

"I just told Caron to continue to play hard the rest of the season. He is one of their [Wizards] leaders and very talented. I hope I get to see him at the All-Star weekend."

This is journalism, in fact, over at our sister website, The Starting Five, my friend Michael Tillery has been writing and working at such a high level, that this morning on ESPN First Take, his work from this very game was topic of discussion via Jemele Hill, and Skip Bayless. If you have detected a hint of anger, then you my friend are correct. I'm just tired of the garbage that people write, and get paid top dollar for...they should be ashamed of themselves. 

Meanwhile, my friends and I will continue to do the right thing, creating our own path, while writing it like it really was, and is. Most of the people writing never played the sport that they cover...and not only did I play basketball on several levels, but I also let the actual athletes do the talking here on GAME TIME, thus nothing is taken out of context or misconstrued.

Peace.

The Most Known Unknown.