Commentary

Commentary

Miss Robbie and ‘Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s’ Took Road Trip for ‘New Day, New Dreams’

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Oprah and Tyler have a good thing going. Since OWN’s launch she’s forged a strategic partnership with Perry for new programming. Some of the network shows are still getting their stride. Others are taking further steps. So Miss Robbie on a Sweetie Pie’s episode took a road trip for ‘new day, new dreams.’

She’s opening a new location in the blues city of Memphis. That’s not a far way from St. Louis or from her earlier career as a backup singer with Ike & Tina Turner. They travelled from St. Louis to get the location off the ground. Miss Robbie says at her age or any age it’s never too late for a new venture or adventure.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said it this way: “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” Miss Robbie and her team are working hard at hiring staff, upgrading operations and meeting the locals. As with any venture, the business side is about how to create, manage and grow the returns stream.

While making plans on the new venture she ran into a setback. An injury from a fall caused her to need surgery. She took time-off to take care of her health. Miss Robbie knows that in life “no pain, no gain.” But it’s also true that “no health, no wealth.” The personal side is about taking care of mind, body and soul.

Miss Robbie will soon be known not just for soul food. She’s also launched a Sweet Tea line. We know how folks down south love their sweet tea. It might be the next best reminder of home-cooking and the human side of everyday living. It’s in leaving a good taste and cherished feeling for life’s best moments. 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Oprah and Tyler on a roll. Friendship going good says informal poll. Since OWN’s launch we’ve seen. A strategic partnership in between. Some TV shows still getting their stride. Others plotting along for the ride. So Miss Robbie’s Sweetie Pie’s makes a move. With a road trip and ‘new day, new dreams’ groove.

Opening next spot in Memphis blues city. Of jazz sounds and sights looking pretty. Not a far way from the St. Louis hub. Or her days with Ike & Tina in the club.  She chose to move around. In getting the location off the ground. Says at her age not too late for this venture. Or even for having a new life adventure.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said it best. “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts,” oh yes! Miss Robbie and company working hard at hiring staff. Upgrading the shop, meeting the locals between a laugh. As with any venture or biz team. Gotta create, manage and grow the returns stream.

While doing some of her daily chores. She ran into a setback and some sores. After falling, surgery was the next action. To get back her health satisfaction. Taking time-off during the rain. Knowing in life “no pain, no gain.” Plus, “no health, no wealth” was on her mind. By taking care of body and soul in kind.

Serving more than just soul food. Even if her lingo may seem crude. Launching a Sweet Tea product line. Maybe even thinking about fine wine. Down south folks love their beer and tea. Next best thing to home-cooked meals under a tree. Leaving a good taste of the past. With more cherished feelings that will last.

Tip: The business side of any venture takes creating, managing and growing the value while the personal side takes creating, managing and growing in values.

Talkback: What’s your pick on a typical summer’s day: Sweet Tea or Cold Drink?

Drew Brees’ New Orleans Saints and a Billionaire’s Gift Provide Everyday Folks a Lift

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Jim Justice (yes that’s his name) is a big-shot with a common touch. The owner of the Greenbrier Resorts in West Virginia invested his own money to build a training camp venue for the New Orleans Saints. Those who know him aren’t surprised. This billionaire’s generous gift provides everyday folks a lift.

Justice and his staff say it’s a good business decision. The idea’s inspiration moved him to throw his weight into the project. It didn’t hurt that he earned his wealth the blue-collar way. He accumulated his fortune in coal-mining and agriculture. That’s a recipe for lending a hand and burrowing the land.

The idea came about when head coach Sean Payton reached-out to Justice after a golf game. Who knows what was said but he committed 30 million dollars to make it happen. The financial incentive might have something to do with the fact that Justice is a long-time Saints fan. Plus, the return is priceless.

So Justice’s “sod squad” put things in motion. They moved earth, concrete and steel to finish the project in 100 days. They found the motivation to complete this assignment because it has a double impact. The complex’s medical institute will also be where other sports athletes get hands-on physiotherapy care.

The Saints began their training camp with access to three fields and a 3000-seat arena. Their three-year contract with the venue will allow them to practice away from the Bayou’s summer heat. In addition, it will give local kids and West Virginia fans a chance to have fun experiencing the pros up close and personal.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Jim Justice, (yes that’s his name). A big-shot with common touch who doesn’t play the game. Owner of Greenbrier Resorts vacation spot. A West Virginia native with lots of money in the pot. Spending some to build training camp for NFL Saints. A billionaire’s gift giving folks a lift from the bricks to the paints.

Justice and staff says it’s a good business decision. Inspired to throw his weight into project’s vision. Didn’t hurt that wealth earned the blue-collar way. With some “old money” he used it to pay. Built his fortune in agriculture and coal-mining. Lending a hand, burrowing the land from sun-up to moon’s rising.

Head coach Sean Payton is how things came about. After a golf game to Justice he did reach-out. Who knows what in the world was said. But Justice put-in 30 million almost off the top of his head. Financial incentive more than money in a pan. Priceless returns ‘cause Justice is a long-time Saints fan.

Sod squad did their part to put things in motion. They moved earth, concrete and steel, just not the ocean. Turned on motivation completing project in 100 days. It had a double impact beyond the training camp phase. Complex’s medical institute remains year-round. With physiotherapy care to keep athletes sound.

Saints began camp with access to three fields. This shows how much power and money Justice wields. A 3000-seat arena and a three-year signing sheet. Allows Saints to practice away from the midday Bayou heat. Giving kids and fans a chance to have fun. Seeing the pros play under the West Virginia sun.

Tip: Inspiration primed with money can spark the motivation to move a business idea from dawn to sunny.

Talkback: Who got more attention in sports recently, Ray Rice, Stephen A. Smith or Jim Justice?

The Best of Apple and The Best of IBM in Let’s Make a Deal!

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Coming this fall to an Apple store near you.. MobileFirst by IBM. Years ago putting them together would be unheard of. Back then it was the battle of the PC versus the MAC. It might have even been “no love” for IBM from Steve Jobs. But now, the best of Apple and the best of IBM say let’s make a deal!

The recently announced partnership brings Apple’s mobile computing and IBM’s enterprise solutions in marriage. That’s like saying apps from IBM will run on iPhones. In addition, mobile devices from Apple will be sold by IBM to their corporate customer base. That’s an iWin for cloud services and iEnterprise.

Both CEOs are looking more to the future than the past. They see how market evolution is opening doors for new innovations. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO describes the business collaboration as transforming enterprise. It’s also turning strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats into risk/reward conversion.

That’s Wall Street lingo for “money, money, money!“ Could there also be the aspect of “value, value, value” for Main Street? What happens in corporate can be scaled for the “mom & pop” market. Plus, this partnership is a lesson in “enterprise refresh” for reinventing a stalled career or giving a business new life.

The deal brings two mega businesses together to serve an emerging solution. Putting egos aside, the CEOs started something that’s likely to be watched by others like Google and Microsoft. It’s said that nothing from nothing leaves nothing. But the magic of enterprise starts with a passion for something.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Extra, extra, coming this fall. IBM in Apple stores at your beckon call. MobileFirst by IBM is the new hook-up. Might leave others feeling shook-up. PC and MAC as one unheard-of in years past. But this looks like something that will last. No love at first sight, let’s keep it real. Apple and IBM say let’s make a deal.

Apple mobile and IBM enterprise in a fling. A partnership together like a marriage ring. Apps from IBM running on iPhone. Puts corporate customers in the tech zone. Apple to sell IBM devices in-store. IBM to market iTunes and even more. That’s an iWin for the service cloud. Sure to make folks iEnterprise proud.

CEOs looking to future ahead. Not stuck in their current bread. Seeing market evolution in opening doors. With new innovations from ground floors. Apple’s head guy says collab to transform. Biz enterprise value from the norm. Strengths, weaknesses opportunities, threats. Risk/reward uptick into heights unseen yet.

That’s Wall Street lingo for big money, money, money. Putting bucks in the bag like nuts and honey. Could there be value for the Main Street hop? Things can be scaled for the local “mom & pop.” A lesson in “enterprise refresh” for stalled careers. Or for giving a business new life in the coming years.

Deal puts two mega shops in fusion. To serve an emerging biz solution. With egos aside, this bond is likely to be watched. By Google and Microsoft before similarly being hatched. They say nothing from nothing leaves nothing.  But the magic of enterprise starts with a passion for something.

Tip: The magic of enterprise is not just thinking big but also starting small with a passion for something.

Talkback: If you had to put two former business rivals together, who would they be?

Lebron James Knows the Business of NBA Basketball is Bigger Than Game Time

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The suspense was building as the rumors were swirling. Who would Lebron James play for next season? Would he and Carmelo Anthony end up on the same team? What would happen to Miami’s big-three? Well his answer came in an essay. James knows the business of basketball is bigger than game time.

He announced his decision with a letter to fans on SI.com. His reasoning was summarized in three words, “I’m coming home!” His return to the Cleveland Cavaliers shows the signs of a “bigger person.” After his less than amicable departure, he now sees pro basketball as bigger than points, rebounds and assists.

James sends a message to those on the court or some other career field of dreams. It’s not just about performance. It’s also in having a greater purpose. His decision says something about how he combines vision, passion and mission to impact millions. In his words, “my calling here goes above basketball.”

Maybe James’ decision puts “hustle and flow” on notice. He wants to have a greater balance of on-court energy with social advocacy. He’s a good example of showing that you serve the game, the business and the greater community with your presence and talents as extensions of divine providence.

Back in the Caribbean, James would be described as “the don.” This means he’s got a handle on things. He says his four years in Miami were like a college career. Now he’s ready for a new season in the game of basketball and life. You can’t fault a person in wanting the best for himself and his hometown family.     

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava) 

Media suspense was building. Local bar rumors were swirling. Who’d Lebron James play for next season? If not the Heat what would be the reason? Carmelo and James on same team? What about Miami’s big-three dream? James knows basketball business is bigger.  Than game time stats as a winner.

Posted his decision on the net. A letter to fans on SI.com was the set. Clear and to the point as if from Rome. James simply said “I’m coming home.” Returning to Cleveland the place of his heart. The city and Cavaliers given a new start. A less than friendly exit before. James sees game as bigger than the score.

Makes this point to players on the court. And to other career field of dreams sport. Performance is an important thing for sure. But having greater purpose is worth even more. James combines vision, passion and mission. As he’s set to impact more in the million. Because his calling goes above basketball opinion.

Maybe decision puts “hustle and flow” on point. He can use his experience to anoint. With greater thrust in on-court energy. Plus special service in hometown advocacy. Good for representing the pro game. In sports, biz or career fame. By engaging your presence and talents. As an extension of divine providence.

Back in the Caribbean James would be seen as “the don.” Back on the block he’s seen as “the one.” Having a man’s handle on things. He’s already earned two rings. Four years in Miami was like a college career. Ready for a new season with little or no fear. Just can’t fault him for showing his love and care.     

Tip: How you “change the game” is a function of performance and purpose that is bigger than the game itself.

Talkback: How surprised were you that both Charles Barkley and Stephen A. Smith hinted that James would return to Cleveland?

Kawhi Leonard’s the New Kid on the NBA Block as Playoff MVP

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

It’s not what the Heat would have ordered. After getting to the NBA finals four years in a row, they had a chance to do something rare. A 3-peat is no easy feat especially since the Spurs had a bitter leftover taste from last year’s loss. And yes, Kawhi Leonard’s the new kid on the NBA block as playoff MVP.

Leonard had the task of guarding Lebron James, arguably the best player in the world. He was roughed-up by coach Popovich for playing soft after games one and two. He stepped-up his game and the Spurs did the same with relentless offense. At times they were hitting shots everywhere from inside and outside.

The series began with a win by the Spurs on their homecourt. Then they lost to the Heat in game two. That must have been a wake-up call. They won three straight games after with outstanding defense. They maintained a lead in those games for much of the way. Their defense was more consistent than the Heat.

During the post-game press conference Lebron James gave props to the Spurs for their teamwork brilliance.  He said “That’s the brand of basketball, and that’s how team basketball should be played.” This is true for hopes and dreams becoming real on breakout teams as well. Teamwork makes dreams work.

Leonard as MVP and with the other guys delivered relentless offense. They were clicking in all spots. Their focus on improving their defense over the past few years paid off. It became more like a habit than an add-on to their game. Team sports are a great reminder of success life lessons on and off the court.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Not what the Heat had planned. But the SA Spurs took a stand. After NBA finals four years in a row. Heat didn’t expect a losing blow. A 3-peat is something rare. But that was the talk in the air. Spurs had bitter taste from last year’s loss. Ready to go at the ball toss. As Kawhi Leonard’s the MVP in the playoffs.

Leonard had to guard King James. No easy thing in full-court games. Arguably the best player as a pro. So you betta act like you know. Coach Popovich roughed-up Leonard for playing tame. So in game three he upped his game. Spurs did too with on-fire offense. Hitting shots inside and outside the 3-point fence.

Series began with a team Spurs win. Arena air so hot it felt like a sin. Then they lost in game two. Might have had them feeling blue. A wake-up call getting back on focus. With dazzling defense as their hocus pocus. Maintaining game lead the rest of the way. More consistent defense than the Heat’s play.

Post-game press conference was somber. James felt Spurs had their number. Saying teamwork brilliance came alive. For the Spurs to take series in five. It’s the brand of basketball that’s most effective. His take on the game by being reflective. True for hopes and dreams as well. Teamwork helps make dreams sell.

Leonard as MVP made sense. Spurs played their best offense. Clicking in all areas seemed easy. Team efficiency made it look breezy. A focus on defense after last year’s fall. Became more like a habit than a play call. Team sports a reminder of how to score. Another success moment on the game of life floor.

Tip: A balance of offense and defense in sports or vision and action in life helps teamwork and dreamwork come alive.

Talkback: Were you surprised that the Heat lost in five?

Is Tim Duncan Playing with a Chip on His Shoulder or like a Man Possessed?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

So they’re off and running! No, not the Belmont Stakes but the NBA finals. The Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs are in a rematch from last year’s finals. Both teams have kept their big-three tandem intact and in good health. So, is Tim Duncan playing with a chip on his shoulder or like a man possessed?

It’s as if he’s rolled back the years to his early days. He’s got a bounce in his step and a glide in his stride. The Spurs try to feed him the ball or feed off of his energy. After some 18 years in the league, Duncan is not done quite yet. But some sports analysts think Kawhi Leonard got next as the face of the franchise.

Coach Gregg Popovich has high hopes for Leonard and the Spurs. Duncan and his teammates know that their loss to the Heat in last year’s finals went down like sour grapes with Popovich. Duncan even said it has given them added motivation in moving past the tears. That’s code for having some ‘leftover bitter!’

With the Spurs going up 2-1, there’s a slight advantage. The Heat are looking to turn things up on the Spurs. Leonard kinda did so in game three by his all-around performance. He showed the ability to raise his game by shifting gears to the next level. That’s true for sports, biz as well as in life.

A lot’s been said about their mutual respect. Duncan as the ‘old man’ on the court while James as the ‘main man.’ Their individual stats and status reflect a hardcore champion’s mentality. With champions there’s no panic. You get that edge in sports or life by handling the fears that can derail your success.

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

They’re off and running! For an event that’s stunning. No, not the Belmont Stakes. But the NBA finals series takes. The Heat and Spurs in a rematch. From last year’s back-and-forth scratch. Both teams with good health of the big-three. And Duncan playing with passion and full-court glee.

As if he’s rolled back the time. To the early years in his prime. He’s got a big bounce in his step. A glide in his stride and pep. Spurs try to feed him the ball. Or feed off his energy in roll-call. After 18 years it’s a big bet. Whether his days are done yet. Kawhi Leonard may have next. That’s from a sports analyst context.

Spurs coach Greg Popovich is high on his team. As rising star Leonard is living his dream. Duncan and his teammates know last year’s loss hurt. Like sour grapes, Popovich has choice words he’d blurt. That’s given them the motivation to do better. By moving past the tears and having ‘leftover bitter.’

Spurs win game 3, series no longer tied. Heat fell short but no one cried. Spurs have slight edge in the round. Heat looking to raise their game by the pound. Leonard showed signs of doing the same. Taking it to the next level in his game. By shifting gears on the court. That’s true for biz and life as seen in sport.

They say both teams have mutual respect. It’s what the media likes to project. Duncan the ‘old man’ of the bunch. James the ‘main man’ in a crunch. Their individual stats and status reflect a reality. A panic-free hardcore champion’s mentality. Life’s about handling the fears. For much success through the years.

Tip: Starting from the bottom of your years and moving to the edge of your fears, life’s about getting past the tears with new success from shifting gears.

Talkback: Is Tim Duncan playing with a chip on his shoulder or like a man possessed?

Lebron James and the Heat Look to Join the Ranks of the Greatest Ever

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The Miami Heat are in the NBA finals four years in a row. That’s no easy feat when you consider the level of talent in the league. Now they’re setting their sights on a 3-peat. If making the finals consecutively was hard then a 3-peat is off the charts tough. James and the Heat would join the ranks of the greatest ever.

It’s been 29 years since the last 3-peat. Back then the game was different. Some think it might have been easier. But the level of play these days shows how much the game has grown. It’s still about putting a ball through a hoop. But James and the Heat have taken their skill for scoring and defending to another level.

In 2010 James, Wade and Bosh took on a mission. They set their sights on being the latest NBA championship standard. The first year was a bit rocky as they tried to jell. Since then, they’ve played their roles to create championship synergy. In sports and in life it takes skill and synergy to propel your game.

Indiana Pacers coach was quoted as saying, “They play at championship level. They have a way to raise it to the point that it’s too much to overcome.” That speaks to having more than a championship standard or championship synergy. It speaks to championship strength seen in their mental focus and toughness.

During the end-of-game interviews Heat Coach Eric Spoelstra pointed out that a key to winning is in stepping-up to the big moments. This means keeping yourself ready for having a major impact. That’s how James and the Heat players approach each game. It’s also how championship moments are made.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Four years in a row. The Miami Heat put on a show. NBA Finals here they come. Trying to 3-peat and then some. Not an easy thing to do. Even with the best big-three crew. Range of league talent is high. Other teams keep having to sigh. Looking to join greatest-ever ranks. With all their money in the banks.

Some 29 years since it’s been done. Others came close, “no can do” son! Back then different tempo to the game. Some say level of play wasn’t the same. These days game has surely grown. Takes big money for you to own. Still about putting ball in the hoop. But also about skill, scoring and rallying the troupe.

In 2010 James, Wade and Bosh announced their mission. Setting sights on a higher vision. For becoming the NBA championship standard. Taking no prisoners avoiding the hazard. First year seemed a bit tricky. Game didn’t jell and was sticky. Merging roles into team synergy. In sports and life propels game energy.

Indiana Pacers coach might have tried praying. Telling media “They play at a championship level… just saying! Raising their game to the point. Where it’s too much to overcome, just anoint.” More than championship standard and synergy as the fix. But about strength, focus and toughness in the mix.

End-of-game interviews were telling. From what Heat Coach Spoelstra was selling. Says key to winning is stepping-up in the fray. Minute by minute with “in the moments” play. Means keeping yourself ready to go. For a major impact if we might say so. That’s how champs do their thing. And strive to earn another ring.

Tip: It might take skill to win it once, but it takes synergy and strength to produce championship moments.

Talkback: What will a great game-1 by the Spurs have to look like?

Serge Ibaka’s Return Brought Energy in Raising Oklahoma Thunder’s Intensity

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Who’s ‘the man’ for OKC? Well, it depends since Russell Westbrook is their leading point guard. It may be Kevin Durant who recently won the award as NBA MVP. Then there’s Serge Ibaka, their dominant power forward. Ibaka surprised many in game 3 where he brought energy in raising OKCs intensity.

He suffered a calf strain earlier in the playoffs. It didn’t seem like he’d be back in time. But with the help of doctors and his own determination he was back with major impact. Ibaka used this to leverage a turning point into winning points. His injury proved to be a make-or-break moment and a plus even in game 4.

Ibaka brings passion and energy with a ‘hustle and flow’ style. For him this usually shows up in blocked shots. He’s a league leader in protecting the basket from easy scores. In sports, they say defense drives offense. In life, hustle and flow means channeling your strengths and passion to elevate your game.

He uses street-game smarts to outplay opponents. Ibaka started playing basketball in Africa as a child. He might have seen a few pick-up games on less-than-ideal playgrounds. Street-game smarts aren’t learned in a classroom or formal setting. It’s the stuff you just can’t teach as practice gives you an edge.

Ibaka has basketball in his blood. Both of his parents were star-players in their day. That might have something to do with firing-up his game. But he also plays with ‘fireplace energy.’ From the outside, an unlit fireplace appears dull and dormant. But when lit, there’s heart-warming beauty and a raging inferno.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Who’s ‘the man’ for OKC? Check the stats, don’t ask me. Could be Russell Westbrook leading the fast-break. Or Kevin Durant raising his NBA stake. Then there’s Serge Ibaka the big man upfront. His power forward play is no stunt. Surprised us in Game 3 with his energy. Helping to raise OKCs intensity.

A calf strain his earlier setback. Lots of questions about a playoff comeback. With the help of doctors and self determination. Making impact and rising to the occasion. Ibaka used this to leverage a turning point. With solid play as fans rocked the joint. A make-or-break injury for sure. To setup a resounding game 4.

Ibaka checked his passion and energy file. To bring his own ‘hustle and flow’ style. Usually shows up in blocked shots. Can happen from various court spots. A league leader in protecting the rim. From easy scores and offense rhythm. In life, hustle and flow is channeling. Your strengths and passion into winning.

He shows his street-game smart. To outplay others from the start. Playing basketball in Africa as a child. Squashing the perception of people-gone-wild. He’s been to a few pick-up game compounds. With less-than-ideal playgrounds. Street smarts not from the classroom. It’s genius like that from the upper-room.

Ibaka’s got basketball in his veins. Staying true to his defensive reigns. Both parents came-up as star-players. Might be the secret to his talent layers. He plays the game with ‘fireplace energy.’ Adding value to team synergy. An unlit fireplace looks dormant and dull. Once lit it’s like breathing fire from your skull.

Tip: Your passion once lit, might have you looking like you’re breathing fire from your skull.

Talkback: Who’s ‘the man’ for OKC?

Lebron James Delivered High Five’s and Low Three’s by end of Game

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

The Miami Heat evened the series with the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. This game could be seen as the turning point if they go on to win the series and advance to the NBA finals. It really was anybody’s game. Maybe that’s why Lebron James gave teammates high five’s at the end.

TV analysts and sports fans alike might say the game was scrappy. There weren’t lots of break-away scores or memorable fast-break moments. Norris Cole was one of the bench players who stepped-up big for the Heat. In order to win they had to work through the early struggle of James and Bosh.

They also had to work through the ugly, not in their faces but in their play. The box-scores might not tell it all but both teams seemed out of sync. Isn’t it interesting how sports can provide such great life lessons? Sometimes you have to work through the struggle and the ugly to get to where things are pretty.

James hit on only one 3-point shot. So did Bosh. The high-point scorer for the Pacers was Lance Stephenson who was on fire. But that fire wasn’t enough to overcome the Heat and the hate. Both teams don’t have much love for each other. Maybe with the Heat it’s about love for the game and hate for losing.

Throughout the game things weren’t always clicking. The last quarter came down to James and Wade. They provided much of the scoring and defense for the Heat when it counted. A one-man Stephenson show was good for the highlight reel. But it took a tag-team effort between Heat aces to chalk-up a win.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Heat and Pacers evened the score. Eastern Conference Finals set for more. Series talked about since last year. Pacers hope to shift their playoff gear. Heat win in game two might be turning point. Could have been anybody’s game in the joint. James gave high five’s at the end. Game three is just around the bend.

Analysts and sports fans might say. It was a scrappy game in team play. Few break-away points to remember. Loss could haunt Pacers through the summer. Norris Cole came off bench like a lion. Bringing heat like iron sharpening iron. James and Bosh struggled from jump. As they started out in a slump.

Players had to work through the ugly times. Not in their faces or that they committed crimes. The box-scores might not tell it all. But team chemistry was in a stall. Interesting how sports can be a great teacher. From the field, court to the bleacher. Struggle and ugly as new best friends. Get to pretty covers all ends.

James’s 3-point shot went cold. Long-range shooting was in the fold.  Bosh didn’t do much better. Pacers’ Lance Stephenson was the go-getter. Hitting from everywhere had him on fire. Pushed by his free-agent contract for hire. Not much love between these teams. Maybe Heat hate more to lose in their dreams.

Throughout the game things weren’t clicking. James and Wade came together with the clock ticking. Doing much of the scoring with strong defense. Not stuck in first-quarter past tense. Stephenson’s play made the highlight reel. But tag-team play by James and Wade gave Heat the win as a steal.

Tip: Getting a win or living your dreams isn’t always pretty, but at the end there’s the thrill of victory.

Talkback: Who wants it more, Heat or Pacers?

Dwyane Wade Might Need Some Playoff Tonic for the Heat to 3-Peat

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (Old-School Flava)

Donald Sterling still has some hate left in him. His wife believes it’s his Dimentia that’s kicking-in. NBA fans can be the judge or they can do like Magic Johnson and focus on the game. Some are wondering if Dwyane Wade has anything left in the tank. He might need some playoff tonic for the Heat to 3-peat.

His stats are down. He’s played reduced minutes for much of the regular season. But the coach says the team will need him at full-throttle. His love for the game trumps the pressure to compete. So Wade has had to reinvent his play by finding a new gear. The pros in business and sports do the same thing.

Whether due to playoff or layoff, aging pros or job market woes, they keep pressing on and off the court. It’s about thinking beyond the playing field to the field of dreams. That’s how the Heat coaches and players see the big picture. Doing a 3-peat is not an easy reach. It’s been their way of finding a new goal.

Sometimes “reinventing your go” is about finding a new dimension to your game. You see it in how Wade contributes the intangibles in his play. It might not make it to the score-sheet. But it makes it in how he still brings some heat. He might have lost a step. But he hasn’t lost his touch and edge for playing the game.

Sterling’s days as an owner might be numbered. Similarly, Wade’s days on a roster are approaching sunset. Gone are the days when he’s seen as the star-attraction on the basketball court. But since he might not be ready to retire he keeps finding a new gear, a new goal and a new dimension to his game.

 

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Brandemonium’
Where Hopes & Dreams Become Real on Breakout Teams” (New-School Flava)

Donald Sterling still has hate. His CNN talk’s another viral spate. Wife believes he suffers from Dimentia. Could be true, but also some racial inertia. NBA fans can judge one way or another. But focusing on the game is Magic Johnson’s cover. Some see Wade as on the mend. Might need a playoff tonic to defend.

Stats down, injuries a bother. Play reduced as a season regular. Coach says team needs him full throttle. So Wade might need the vitamin bottle. His love for the game starts with his feet. Trumping the pain and pressure to compete. Reinvents his play by finding a new gear. With fashion statement in pre-game wear.

As seen on the NBA TV playoff. And the network evening news layoff. Aging pros or job market woes. Pressing on and staying on your toes. Think beyond the work or game field. The field of dreams a power to wield. Heat’s big picture is doing a 3-peat. Well that’s not an easy feat. As others push it to compete.

Take the time to “reinvent your go.” By finding new dimensions to grow. Wade scores less but brings intangible asset. His play still rivals among the best. Might not make the video clip or score-sheet. But he still makes fans jump out their seat. Lost a step in his game. But his touch and edge are just the same.

Sterling’s days as owner look bleak. Wade’s b-ball has reached its peak. Gone are the days he’s the star-attraction. With Lebron James getting all the action. His days on a roster approaching sunset. But his goals aren’t done quite yet. So he keeps finding new gear in time. Showing a new dimension in his prime.

Tip: “Reinventing your go” is about finding a new gear in time or finding a new goal in your prime.

Talkback: How many years does Wade have left on his contract and how much gas does he have left in his tank?