Blokes across the pond are fond of football (the feet-only kind*) and double-decker buses, but we're not sure how they feel about basketball and a double dose of two terrible teams, the Nets and Raptors (34 wins combined before Friday), which initially appeared as appealing as stale scones or a beardless Russell Brand. What at first glance seemed to be bollocks unexpectedly turned into dog's bollocks^, because on Saturday, the lords and ladies in attendance were treated to a triple overtime thriller. More buzzers sounded than in a Jeopardy game. Scores were higher than when Cambridge students take standardized tests (the lowest point total was 103). Less defense was played than during the All-Star Game, despite only one all-star participating. A tip of the driver's cap/hoist of the pint glass to Deron Williams, who insisted on making the trip, despite wrist and hand injuries, displaying a Jason Statham-level of toughness and passing so deftly (29 assists total) that Man U wants to sign him to shore up the midfield.
Nets coach Avery Johnson, after his squad (chimney) swept the series, gave credit to the Raptors and perhaps astutely addressed the cultural difference in athletics when he noted, "Unfortunately, these games don't end in a tie." That might've been the only way they disappointed the Brits, who don't understand that to Americans, sports is all about winning~.
David Stern must be chuffed. All in all, a pair of otherwise forgettable teams provided at least an entertaining exhibition, if not memorable matchup, and put on a jolly good show. Only time will tell if this helped London bridge the basketball gap between the nations.
* Maybe Rex Ryan would enjoy that version more.
^Byron, Keats and Wordsworth would be proud of what the English language has become.
~Maybe we could send Charlie Sheen over to impart some lessons on "winning."
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