There’s a comedian named Al Lubel. He talked about enjoying the sound of his own name. So he repeated it: “Al Lubel. Al Lubel. Al Lubel. Al Lubel. Al Lubel.” He’d do this for minutes. Then he demonstrated a sense for the right time to say: “Isn’t it funny that the more I say it, the more you wonder ‘who is this guy?’.” I think that’s one of the funniest things I ever heard, partly because when he broke to say “Isn’t it funny that the more I say it”, I was thinking “what the fuck, how long will he …
Month: June 2025
There’s a homecourt advantage in San Francisco, for some reason
The old Boston Garden was said to harbor an invisible leprechaun who assisted the Celtics in mysterious ways. Which I think is more likely than the crowd’s energy having anything to do with the home team’s performance. Personally, I think basketball games should do without those people. Two teams, a crew of officials, game staff, media who don’t ask trite questions. The Golden State Valkyries won their third straight at home, 88-77 vs. Indiana on Thursday. In coach Natalie Nakase’s pregame conference, she said the team was eager to resume playing at the Chase Center, where the sellout crowds serve …
The worst seat in the Chase Center tonight for Fever at Valkyries is $176
At the open house for Valkyries season ticket buyers, I asked to see the worst seat in the Chase Center, just in case it was the only one I could afford. For tonight’s game vs. Indiana, the worst seat in the house is going for $176. For Sunday’s game vs. Connecticut, it’s $65. After Golden State beat Las Vegas, Los Angeles (at Los Angeles), and Seattle, their 3-game winning streak was the longest in the league. By winning their 5th game, the Valkyries outdid (in 10 games) what Chicago did in their inaugural season (4-30 in 2008). GS forward Kayla …
Los Angeles 93 Dallas 79
I’m relieved by Los Angeles’ win at Dallas Friday. Basketball coaches and chessplayers know the feeling when losses are devastating, while wins are just a relief. I’m glad Coach Roberts, who’s already fired on the Internet, didn’t lose a fourth game in a row. Internet sports forums are immeasurably worse than sports talk radio was, back in my day. Sports talk radio are screened by radio staff. If they get on the air, they can be flushed by a host who’s heard enough. Instead, it’s Dallas coach Koclanes who’s getting double secret fired on the Internet, though some think Koclanes …
On the Internet, Sparks coach Roberts fired, and Sparks wing Jackson traded
Los Angeles Sparks wing Rickea Jackson missed three games in May under the concussion protocol. She returned for losses to the Lynx and Dream, making as many fouls and turnovers as points. Jackson took time off, citing personal reasons. Los Angeles coach Roberts said: “Rickea is a big part of our organization and our team. She’s taking personal time, and we support her. We’re excited to get her back when she’s ready.” There followed pregnancy rumors on the Internet — which Jackson might have fueled herself — and the removal of her team affiliation on a social media profile. It’s …
Phoenix 85 Los Angeles 80
Phoenix beat Los Angeles 85-80 Sunday. It took 17 minutes for Los Angeles to build a 47-29 lead, then 10 minutes to trail 58-57. Falling back to points after turnovers as the Sparks’ bugaboo, the hosts made four turnovers in the last 2:54 of the first half, resulting in four Phoenix points. Those four points were part of that 18-point lead shrinking to 13 at the buzzer. The Mercury won the third quarter 24-9. Balls got loose, players crashed to the floor, messes were made. Around the turn of the ’10s, I followed Coach Roberts’ Pacific team on a road …
Minnesota 86 Golden State 75
Minnesota continued as one of two unbeatens, winning at Golden State Sunday 86-75. The Valkyries went into half leading by one, 52-51. Perhaps the Lynx’ adjustments included “slow the eff down”, because they won the second half 35-23. Golden State had the 12-point spread covered for three quarters, but Minnesota began the 4th on a 15-1 run to lead 83-61 with 5:43 left. The Lynx backers might’ve felt secure, but the Valkyries ran off 14-3 to make it 86-75 at 1:56, and suddenly the betting public (if not the crowd at the Chase Center) has regained interest. At 0:31, Lynx …