2012 NBA Finals rematch in Oklahoma City

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I recently made the 4 and a half hour drive down to Oklahoma City to see the highly anticipated rematch of the defending NBA champions Miami Heat VS the defending Western Conference champions the Oklahoma City Thunder. When I heard of the opportunity for me to go to this game I quickly snatched up a couple tickets online. They weren’t the best seats in the house, but at Chesapeake Arena for a game like this, any seat in the house is a good seat.

            It had been nearly 11 years since I last attended an NBA game, when I took in the LA Lakers playing the Detroit Pistons in the Palace of Auburn Hills. Needless to say, I was due for some live pro basketball. After that long of a time I was hoping for a good one, and this is one that did not disappoint. Before tip off even came the energy level in the building was ecstatic. I’ve heard before that Chesapeake Arena was like non other in the NBA due to the die hard devoted fan base it is home to. When I experienced it first hand I realized why it’s been nicknames the home of “loud city”. There was plenty for the home crowed to get hyped for, the Miami Heat were in town! The team that in last seasons NBA finals shattered their hopes of winning the city’s first NBA championship ever. Along with that hype there was the added star power of such big names as Chris Bosh, Dwayne Wade, Mario Chalmers, Ray Allen, oh and a certain player known as Lebron James who was looking to extend his 6 game NBA record of scoring at least 30 points and making at least 60% of his shots.

            The game started off with Miami instantly taking over and showing why they are the defensing champs, they took the lead early and never looked back. Most of the game Miami’s lead was never in question, but the loyal OKC fans never gave up on their team and were always a factor. That constant backing and show of support could be why Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Thunder squad never gave up either. They made the final minutes interesting, cutting the Miami lead to down to 10 points. However, it was a case seen many times in sports, too little, too late. In the end Miami was victorious, adding even more fuel to this new NBA rivalry. A rivalry that looks like it will be going on for some time in the coming years, especially with all the young star power both teams have.

            As for the overall experience of the game, it was amazing. I would certainly say it is the best NBA experience due to the city’s loyal, fired up fans. The thunder have only been an NBA team in Oklahoma City since 2008, a trust me these fans appreciate it. You would think they were there when the city was founded.