September 18, 2020

 

We finally went back to work today.  The Western Conference finals pit the Lakers against the Nuggets.  Denver had been playing every other day since the playoffs had begun because both of their series went seven games while the Lakers beat Houston in five and had five days off since their last game.  Los Angeles was well rested but eager to get the series started.

 

During our camera meeting we were instructed on which Lakers family we could aim our cameras at and which family members we could not.  Being as my camera was the only camera facing the family directly the burden of this instruction fell mainly on my shoulders.  I was provided a head shot sheet of those I could shoot and those I couldn’t.  First of all, no one ever looks like their picture on head shot sheet, and secondly, everyone was wearing a mask so that made the challenge more difficult.  And I had to question why we were prevented from putting them on camera in the first place.  This was a very odd request that had originated with the Lakers and handed down by the NBA. 

 

I spent most of my pre-game time trying to get a tight shot of their credentials so I knew who was who.  If I couldn’t see their credential, I put them on my “Don’t Shoot” list.  If I could see their credential and they were on the “Don’t Shoot” list, they remained there.  If I could see their credential and they weren’t on the “Don’t Shoot” list I only decided to put them on camera if I had nothing else worthwhile to show.  As a result, I didn’t shoot any Lakers family members. I think I will make that my operation throughout the series.

 

Before the game began I received a text from my wife that Ruth Bader Ginsberg had died.  She left us when our nation needed her sensibility the most.  It’s unfortunate that the tumultuous clashes her death may bring will take away from the honoring her life well lived. 

 

Los Angeles came out aggressively and put the two stars on Denver, Jokic and Murray, in immediate foul trouble.  The Lakers used their big men to harass Jokic and he and the entire Denver teamed looked tired.  They were never really in the game and by the start of the fourth quarter the game was pretty much decided.  Now all we need is three more straight wins and I could be home by Friday!

 

Another great email came in today as well.  This one from Turner Sports:

Thank you for all your hard work!  On Monday, 9/21, please enjoy dinner and drink on us at RIX.  Date: Monday, 9/21 Time: 6pm-9pm Location: RIX. Voucher required. 

Okay, so now I am kicking myself for not expressing my viewpoint much earlier.  The restrictions that had been bringing us down were lessening and more options were being provided.  I can feel myself getting out of the funk that I had been feeling for quite some time.  That, couple with the finish line in sight had changed by mood for the better.