With the start of the season likely to going to be delayed this week; there was another pick up game featuring lots of high profile players this weekend. The Miami Heat’s big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh played host to the game, as well as Florida International head coach Isiah Thomas. The game took place at U.S. Century Bank Arena on Florida International’s campus, which holds about 4,000 people. The game was titled South Florida All-Star Classic. The money raised from the ticket sales went to Thomas’s charity. I like that these players are playing for a great cause.
The game was between team Wade and Team James.
Team Wade featured Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Mario Chalmers, Dorell Wright, Caron Bulter, Chris Paul, John Wall, James Harden, and of course Dwyane Wade.
Team James featured Chris Bosh, Damon Jones, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford, Rudy Gay, Jonny Flynn, Lou Williams, Tristan Thompson, and of course LeBron James.
Wow what a group of players.
The winner of the game was Team Wade 141-140 in overtime. Once again James goes down.
Here are some quotes from the game.
“I think we’re all starved for basketball right now,” Bosh said. “I was excited when we pulled up and we saw all these cars here and fans lined up. We felt great because people showed up.”
“We all have a respect for one another,” James said. “When we placed the call, none of them second-guessed it. Some had things to do and they still said they’d change it. That’s the mutual respect we have for each other.”
“We want to show our fans it’s all for them,” Wade said. “Basketball is taking off again in South Florida. We’re happy we can bring some kind of basketball to the fans.”
I really love these games; where else can fans get this up close to the players? I think the players really enjoyed them too, and it keeps them in shape and out of trouble. What was also great about this game was in raised money for charity. I wish I was talking about a NBA season though, not pick up games.
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Tags: dwyane wade, Lebron James