Bingo!

I am a couple days late in posting this but the words still ring true.

As a longtime, long-suffering Cleveland sports fan, I find it very difficult to watch Cleveland teams playing in important games. There have been just too many letdowns. The Indians - Marlins World Series Mesa meltdown, The Browns repeated Bronco fiascos, the Cavs versus the Michael Jordan (the famous Jordan shot over Craig Ehlo was later used in a tv commercial; I've blocked out just what product it was for).

So it was with mixed emotions that I turned on games in the Cavs-Pistons series. But I kept reminding myself. Detroit's the experienced team. I will be good for the Cavs just to play in the finals. I didn't become anguished when they lost two close games in Detroit. They were competitive. They weren't getting embarrassed like Utah. Then they won their home games. Good for them. Game Five was unbelievable. In so many ways. I did watch the fourth quarter and first overtime. I didn't watch the second, not because it was too ulcer-making but because I had to put my daughter to bed. But did that win convince me that they were a team of destiny. No, I have had my heart broken too many times for that.

Then I watched the second half of Saturday night's game. The third quarter was tight but the Cavs were playing well without Labron scoring. always an encouraging sign. I missed the beginning of the fourth quarter and when I was watching again. they were up by ten. I couldn't believe it. they actually were going to win it. and not only did they extend their lead but they won convincingly. it was amazing.

Now I just have to readjust my emotions again for the Finals. The Spurs are the experienced team that is playing well. The Cavs are just Finals rookies. . .well, cocky Finals rookies.

So here's to Bingo Smith, Luke Witte, and all the other Wine & Gold-sters whose names have drifted out of my memory...