Latest News
Sporting events are the great escape. From everyday problems and ones far larger than that. Except when the games are not, when they serve as a reminder of something more important than the outcome of a fleeting meeting of competitors.
If things go as planned, there will be more Chicago Bliss coverage Friday.
Such was the case Wednesday (April 17), two days after the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people — including an 8-year-old boy, not that the two other deaths are any less important or easier to comprehend — and injuries scores more.
Before the Washington Wizards played the Chicago Bulls at the United Center, there was a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings:
Meanwhile in Boston before the Bruins’ hockey game, there was a stirring rendition of the national anthem that was even more moving because of that city being the epicenter of the tragedy:
I’m not quite sure what such ceremonies do, aside from paying respects to all those touched by tragedy. I’m not quite sure the ceremonies help diminish the hurt felt by the friends and families of the dead and injured. Perhaps such ceremonies are part of showing the resilience we Americans have. Not that resilience itself is inherently American. People elsewhere endure far greater atrocities on a more frequent basis and show resolve. Many of them simply do not have an NBA or NHL game or other sporting event to provide an outlet to show that resolve.
With such displays of emotion finished, the games begin. And the fans can become involved in something other than matters of literal life and death.
In the Bulls’ case Wednesday, it was the matter of winding up with the No. 5 or 6 seed for the postseason. The Bulls beat the Wizards 92-95, so they are the No. 5 seed. And they would have been even if they lost because Atlanta lost at Brooklyn. All of which means the Bulls face No. 4 seed Brooklyn beginning Saturday, while the No. 6 Hawks face the No. 3 Indiana Pacers.
For what it’s worth, the Bulls won the season series from the Nets 3-1. The only other time the Bulls played the Nets in the postseason was in 1998 when Michael Jordan & Co. swept the first-round series in three game on their way to the Bulls’ sixth NBA title.
“To the outsiders, there is more stock in the fact we won the season series,” Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said.
“But a lot of different things go into that — like they’re missing and who we’re missing. I think much more important is how you are playing and the end of the season and who is healthy for you.”
While perhaps not totally healthy, center Joakim Noah is playing for the Bulls. He was scoreless and had one rebound in 14:21 off the bench. Of the Bulls’ success against the Nets, he said:
“It doesn’t mean anything. The difference with the regular season is that the schedule has such a big impact. … with back-to-back [games] and injuries. In the playoffs, everybody comes ready to play.”
Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with 19 points and 15 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich added 18 points, Nazr Mohmmed a season-high 17 and Jimmy Butler 13.
And so the Bulls have Thursday off before preparations for the Nets series. And before Game 1 with all the fun and frivolity, look for another moment of silence. This time for the victims of the fertilizer factory explosion Wednesday night in West, Texas.
So much for escaping from the real world for a couple of hours or so.
Some Bulls postgame interviews and some footage of the Chicago Luvabulls performing during the game:
If it’s Thursday (which certainly seems likely in that yesterday was Wednesday — provided that today is April 18, 2013, or a subsequent Thursday), then it is time once again for “Sports & Torts” with co-hosts David Spada and Elliott Harris at noon Chicago time on Talkzone.com. The guests on the show are basketball hall of famer Wes Unseld and football hall of famer Jim Otto.
The interviews with the two former athletes also will be available on podcast at Talkzone.com later in the day.
OK, we definitely could use some escape mechanism — non-gratuitous and/or otherwise — so here we go with some video:
Advertising opportunities are available on ElliottHarris.com. For information and rates, contact sales@elliottharris.com.