Déjà vu

"I had to perilously face the danger..."

Lauryn Hill - Lose Myself

Watching Game 4 on Tuesday night left me with a familiar feeling...it was as if I've seen pieces of this contest before.

Redemption

Dirk Nowitziki once again carried his team to victory, as the Mavericks edged Miami 86-83 to tie the series at 2-2. Nowitziki scored, rebounded, and defended in the 4th quarter, pouring 10 of his 21-points, which included a driving lay-up with seconds left in the period. 

In Game 2, he was able to turn it on, as well as score a high percentage shot with a few ticks to go on the clock that lead to a Dallas win. Throughout the playoffs, the Mavs have made a habit of mounting great comebacks in a stunning fashion. 

What stood out more in my mind, was the duress that Dirk Nowitziki was able to play under. Flashback to June 11, 1997...as Michael Jordan was ravaged by the flu, however he was able to score 38-points (15 in the last quarter) , and grab 7-rebounds, while leading the Bulls to a Game 5 NBA Finals win over the Jazz.

I not making a comparison...I was just reminded of MJ, watching Nowitizki play through a sinus infection, amongst numerous other ailments.

The history books will be rewritten by the time this matchup is said and done. Miami didn't have much of an identity late in the game, and Dallas was able to capitalize on that.

It's now a best of 3 scenario...so instead of making a prediction, I'm just going to sit back, and enjoy the next game, which I'm sure will prove to be on par with the other four.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Mike Ehrmann

Like Mother, Like Son

"Up 3 nothing, in Salt Lake City..."

Ghostface Killah - Stroke of Death

The LA/Utah series had a change of venue, as the Energy Solutions Arena played host to the Lake Show last night...in a game to remember.

Strictly Business

With 35-points and a calm under pressure cool...Kobe Bryant gave the Jazz, the blues. The best part about it...the Lakers did it as a team with double digit scoring from Fisher, Artest, and Pau Gasol.

Yes it was a close game, and yes the Lake Show were a few nano seconds from losing on two missed Jazz attempts before the buzzer, however the better team won. Now that LA holds a commanding 3-0 lead, everything else about this matchup is irrelevant because the end is near for the Utah Jazz.

The best part of the game for me wasn't the late game heroics and drama, it was the sight of Kobe's parents cheering and supporting their son. It brings back memories of them at his games in high school, or their daughter's matches in college.

The Bryant family is a tight knit clan...much like the Cosby Show, or Run's House, and while Kobe gets his name Bean and basketball acumen from his father, it's his mother...Ms. Pam that encouraged his will power, and tenacity. In life there is always going to be someone better, more attractive, smarter, taller, bigger, etc...however what can separate or level the playing field is the hard work, or determination that you give or have.

In the curious case of Kobe Bryant, not only is he one of the best players in the sport, he just so happens to be mentally stronger, and tougher than everyone as well...so in honor of this Mother's Day, I'd like to note that he is living his dream of becoming a professional athlete, and it was his mom's example, and teaching that has made the NBA champion that you see today.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Family Business

"Here comes the black star, rock star, super star..."

Black Thought - Rock Star (Intro)

The Lakers are currently matched up with the Jazz...and while that may invoke a familiar playoff tune...it's the presence of Joe and Pam Bryant that make me think back to when I first met them at their daughter's volleyball game.

Circle of Trust

One of the strongest bonds on the planet is that of a family...be it humankind or otherwise, the family structure is very important to who we become later in life. Its not unusual to see an athlete's mother, or father in an arena, however when I saw Kobe's parents at the recent games in LA...it made me think of the days that are now so far gone. I met Kobe when we were teens, growing up in this crazy city, however what I admired most about the kid with the ubiquitous basketball was his close knit family. His mother and father's attendance isn't a Hollywood publicity stunt, as they have been traveling to their children's games since way before I can remember.

I don't have much to say about the series, because it has yet to become newsworthy...as the Lake Show have capitalized on the smaller, short handed Jazz. Playing in Utah is difficult, nevertheless, I expect more of the same, as the Lakers front court is beaming with height, and versatility...spelling disaster for the Western Conference.

Stay tuned!

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Brand Recognition

Cameron Crazies
Defense first

"You wanna dance? We got what you want...Jazzy Jeff, and Fresh Prince busing out with the brand new funk..."

Fresh Prince - Brand New Funk

I was formally introduced to Elton Brand this past summer...about an hour before I was to interview him for BET News. One of my best friends and fraternity brothers Stanley went to high school with Brand's wife...Stan also works as an ad executive for Converse. It's interesting how people and things from my past help me so much as I navigate through my immediate future.

Star Power

Now that the NBA season has begun I'm a lot busier than normal and because of that fact, I couldn't be happier. I love my job, as everyday presents something new. From the games and match-ups to the coaches, players, and owners. When I graduated from college I went to work for the NBA league office, in NYC...I quickly learned that the game I love is a business, nevertheless, over the years I've adapted to that and now I'm doing more in pro basketball, than I've ever dreamed.

Now that Brand is in Philadelphia, I interview him often, before and after games, at practice, and sometimes I call or text just to see how things are going for him and his family in this crazy city. For me, I don't write stories, I build friendships and relationships. It makes my life and job that much easier. In fact the first time I met him, he already knew who I was saying, "Hey Ant what's up, I've heard that you are the man to know in Philly...make sure you get my information before we leave." Upon hearing that I was both honored, and puzzled at how far I've been blessed to travel. He also said I can call him "Elt", to which I do from time to time. For the most part, it's funny because I hardly use anyone's name, unless it's to headline an email or text.

On Tuesday night I walked with Elt after the game to the family room...after the 76ers loss to the Utah Jazz. Below are his thoughts from the early moments of the season to his Converse signature sneakers:

Talk about leadership, and how you have defined your role as a veteran newcomer:

"I have no ego, it's all about team. There are some tough teams in the east, but I know we can play with all of them."

You played with Andre Miller before, what was that like?

"I played with Andre [Miller] when I played in my first NBA All-Star game. He was the one getting me all those easy shots, and playing with him now...it's more of the same."

You hosted the Converse Philly Open run last Saturday, what are your thoughts on the event?

"Well, where else can the kids come out, play basketball, get free sneakers, and a free lunch? I thought it was a huge success, as I'm all about helping others, and if I can do it through Converse, then it's good for everyone."

The team has struggled a little out of the box, is there any pressure on you?

"It's pressure, but it's fun, and it's exciting. I haven't had that type of feeling since my playoff run with the [Los Angeles] Clippers, and I'm looking forward to playing and getting back to the playoffs."

For more on Elton Brand watch the video below:

Photos: Manny Millan - Sports Illustrated

Getty Images