You're such a vibrant thing

Last night as we walked through the doors of GM Place, there was a different feeling in the air. Hip hop music was pumping, basketballs were bouncing, the crowd was sporting Phoenix Suns and Seattle Sonics jerseys plus big smiles. This sold out Vancouver crowd was pumped to see some live NBA basketball and excited to see their hometown boy from Victoria, Steve Nash. Stars Kevin Durant and Leandro Barbosa were out due to injury, but Stevie, Grant Hill and Raja Bell more than made up for it.


For me, it was like a trip down memory lane. I saw so many old familiar faces from the days that I was going to that building to watch basketball games on a regular basis. Oh, how I miss those days. I had wished that my dad was at the game with us too, that was the only missing part of the experience for me. I phoned him promptly after the game to tell him all about it.
Even though this was a pre-season game, the boys came out with lots of energy and put on a fabulous show. Kristina and I yelled and screamed and drank beer from sippy cups. The night was a blast. I am definitely a hockey fan, and I certainly would agree that Vancouver is a hockey town, but I really wish that we had been able to make a professional basketball team work in this city. I miss the games more than I can say. Some of the basketball programs in this province are incredible and there are some really amazing up and coming athletes. I know how much joy I got from having a professional team to support and look up to. Thanks to Steve Nash for pulling some strings to make last night happen for those of us who are basketball fans in this city with no team. I heart NBA basketball (and Steve Nash).

Naturally, Nash drew by far the loudest cheers during player introductions and the Suns, 2,000 kilometres from home, were treated like the home team.

"I know it's not official, but it certainly feels like the Suns are the team for B.C.," Nash said. "It feels amazing, feels great, there are so many fans up here rooting for our team. Everyone really gets behind us. For me, being a local guy, that's obviously very exciting."

Vancouver Sun