I was given a gift tonight. And it turned out to be more than great seats to see the Spurs.
My tickets were at will call, according to the Staples Center info you can't pick up will call until 2 hours before the event time. I was there early, and it turns out I could get the tickets just after 5.
But the doors don't open until 6:15.
I was approached as I was leaving the box office by a nice man who simply said, "Do you want to get in early? Follow me, I'll get you in." I followed him. And I got in.
5:15. Top level of Staples. I ducked into a tunnel just to check out the court before I found my seat.
Duncan. On the court. Running through his game, just a few on the floor with him. Chip, Will, Udoka on the side. Mason Jr.
I was able to walk down to the first row, sit in the seat against the basket, and watch Duncan work for 30 minutes.
A few others came out, Bowen, Oberto, Thomas.
When Duncan finished and sat on the bench I moved to a seat against the tunnel. Oberto came by, signed my Go Spurs Go Banner for me.
And then Duncan came by. And signed the banner and my jersey.
I got Sean on the banner too.
The seats were great, the crowd was great, the game was great. It was wonderful to finally see my team live.
But that 30 minutes was by far the most incredible thing that's ever happened to me.
I've got several hundred pics, and some video, to sort through. I'll put them up as soon as I can.