NBA Finals mixed feelings, 3-on-3 FAQ

Game 3 of the NBA Finals will be played in Dallas this morning, and fans are having mixed feelings about who they want to win the series. Of course, the Miami Heat have a lot of new fans who joined the bandwagon after LeBron James jumped ship. At the viewing party for Game 2 at National Sports Grill Friday, this writer polled some fans and members of the media regarding their feelings on the series.

It seems that the Dallas Mavericks also have many new fans, but some for reasons not necessarily related to their record as a franchise this season. A consensus among the Mavs fans presence was they either disliked LeBron for how he supposedly treated the fans in Cleveland, or wanted Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd to win a championship. Some even went on to suggest that Dwyane Wade, James and company should “donate” this championship to the “old” guys, who may not get another chance. Obviously, that’s not going to happen.

Dirk has also endeared himself to a new generation of fans with his clutch performance, especially the huge three-pointer and escape-act left-handed lay-up that sealed Game 2 after the Mavs blew a big lead. Fans are starting to forget the past playoff shortcomings of the Mavs. And with the next three games in Dallas, things are looking good for the Western Conference champions. But Miami fans will counter that there’s no way their team will lose two or even three games in Dallas.

Of course, fans are divided because of the talent on display in the Finals. James himself has an army of loyal fans who believe his unearthly skill should be rewarded with a trophy. As some American commentators said, they haven’t seen him play this well for this long in the playoffs. On both ends of the court, James has been phenomenal, more impressively, on defense.

For the NBA itself, the longer the series goes, the higher the ratings and revenue will soar for the league. More specifically for NBA Asia, a Miami Heat title will send head coach Erik Spoelstra’s stock through the roof, a perfect build-up to his return to the Philippines and other parts of Asia tentatively slated for late July or early August. Some readers of The STAR are already asking if he’ll bring either Wade or James with him. That’s not likely to happen, at least not this year.

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This writer received some interesting questions from NBA fans regarding the inaugural NBA 3-on-3 Philippine presented by Sprite, which will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from July 1 to 3. Some of the commonly-asked questions are the following:

Who can join? The tournament is open to any adult male for the Open division, and any boys or girls in the following age groups: 19 and below (boys’ and girls’ divisions), 17 and below (boys only), 15 and below (boys and girls) and 13 and below (boys only). Cut-off birthdate is July 1. Whatever age a player is on that date determines the lowest age group they can join.

Where can they sign up? The registration centers are at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall (where the games will be played July 1-3), KFC Trinoma, KFC Jupiter, Proline at Greenbelt 1, and E-ventologist office at Unit 203, ALCCO Building, Ortigas Avenue. The hotline number is 565-0685.

What is the format of the tournament? FIBA 33 rules will be used. Copies may be downloaded from the FIBA website or check the NBA facebook page. Copies will also be handed out to applicant teams when they register. There will be 16 teams per division. Teams will bedivided into groups of four, and will play a single-round robin. Top team in each division plays in a knockout semifinal. Winners play in the division finals.

What do teams get when they join? Each player will get a reversible NBA 3-on-3 Philippines jersey, and other giveaways from the NBA and the tournament sponsors. Four-time NBA champion Horace Grant will also grace the event, along with the New York Knicks dancers.

What can spectators do? Those who watch the event live may join the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest (the rim will be lowered to nine feet) or the Energen Skills Challenge, or a special dance-off with the Knicks dancers. Those who purchase the Sprite KFC NBA 3-on-3 bucket meal will have the option to join the meet and greet with Horace Grant, while the first teams to check-in after buying the bucket meal will get a surprise from Sprite.

With the lineup of celebrities who are either going to play or attend, and the other performers, the first NBA 3-on-3 Philippines will surely be unforgettable.