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The Hype Builds Toward A Showdown At USAir Arena

Will this be the final game for the Washington Bullets? For pro basketball at USAir Arena? That's a question that I'm wondering about. Unfortunately, I won't be there.

Washington Post Coverage

Bullets Monday Post-Practice Quotes USAir Arena Sold Out For Games At Home, Bullets Hope End Isn't Near With Muresan Ailing, Bullets Consider Small Lineup Jordan Bulldozes And Chicago's Wide Awake Fresh 'Air' Has Bullets Gulping (Tony Kornheiser column) Jordan Takes Aim With Friendly Fire (Michael Wilbon column)

It's kinda a convoluted story, so I'll tell it at the end. But meanwhile, let's look at the series so far.

The Bullets have been surprisingly competitive against arguably the best team in the league this year. They have pushed the Bulls to the brink twice, so there's no reason that they shouldn't win a game at home.

Of course, if they lose one more game, that's the end of the season. That's the deal with a 5-game series. But I have confidence the Bullets will win tonight, even without Big Gheorghe patrolling the paint. He's reinjured his hip and may not be ready for the game tonight. But against the Bulls, that's isn't as much a liability as against a team with a true power center.

So what if the Bullets lose tonight? They've gained valuable playoff experience, and they've played well together. They are playing a very good team, with arguably the best player ever in basketball. Those 55 points on Sunday definitely show he's got something left.

But a win would be something better. It gives them a mark that most new playoff teams don't get the first time out. Just like the Minnesota Timberwolves last night, most new teams don't quite get over the hump in the playoffs and get their first win. But exposure to the process is key, because it is a new experience for many of the players. So, I guess I won't be surprised that the Bullets if they can't do it tonight, but I think they're capable of more.

And if the season ends, what does that mean? We get to see the new jerseys and logo. That's next on the horizon for the team. You've seen the rumors, but now we'll get to see them for a fact. They are supposedly ready, and I don't believe they will wait until the NBA draft in June to preview them (as some teams do). My understanding was that if the Bullets had not made the playoffs, they were going to announce the new logo and uniforms last week. So, now we wait for this stuff.

I know this writeup has verged more on the style of my column-writing, in that I'm throwing in a lot of opinion. But that's good. And actually, just more convenient for me, rather than rattling off another opinion column. I'll sum up the series in a column or two, however.

Now, waiting for that 8pm tipoff time.

ps You're interested in why I'm not going? Well, I didn't send in for tickets in the original period, because I didn't think the team would make the playoffs. Then, I knew I was going to be on vacation, and I thought at least one game was going to be last weekend, while I was still in Seattle. Bad assumption (thinking the playoffs started on Tuesday instead of Thursday, playoff fan neophyte that I am). Further, I'm sharing two seats next year, instead of 4 that this group I'm now in had this year, so those two got the seats for tonight's game. It just doesn't work out, but I'm not really bummed out by it. I'll just watch it on the tube like the rest of you (that have access to a television). Does this make any sense, or am I just rambling? Don't answer...

wtf 30 April 1997

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