Sunday morning, scattered flurries of snow fell from the sky. This is reason enough to stay inside under the warm covers and out of the frigid cold. But it just so happened that my dear mother had an extra ticket to the Harlem Globetrotters game, and I am not the one to be wasteful.
Since I was half awake when we arrived at the Palace of Auburn Hills, everything was a blur. All I remember was taking a picture with an oversized sneaker emblazoned with the Detroit Piston logo and longing for my cozy bed.
We arrived about 40 minutes earlier than expected which allowed us time to browse through the souvenir shop located conveniently across from the sneaker. It was filled to the brim with everything Pistons from the shot glasses to baby onesies, all which were decently priced. One thing I never realized though was how expensive the official Piston’s jersey’s were. Priced at $270.00 a pop, I was just thinking you would have to be a hardcore fan to even consider spending that much on what I would consider to e an over-shirt.
The game itself didn’t start until 2pm, but we arrived early for the “Magic Show”. The hour long “show” was held court side ,which featured a few Harlem Globetrotter players entertaining children and adults with their talented ball spinning, bouncing and whirling tricks. They also signed autographs as well and posed for personal, professional photographs which could be purchased online. The players were very handsome, extremely generous and courteous.
At about 1:45 we procured snacks from the overpriced concession stands and settled into our seats. The electricity of the audience radiated throughout the arena as the Globetrotters appeared on the court.
[Just for the record I have never been to a Harlem Globetrotters game before, but I always wanted to as a child. I can honestly say that as an adult I no longer had this interest. I also just assumed it was going to be an ordinary hoop game, but it was anything but. It was more of a basketball game and comedy show all rolled up in one. Both parts were equally entertaining.]
At First I thought, is this for real?
Before the game started they introduced both teams. As the globetrotters took the court they introduced every member individually, and as they took the court they controlled the ball as if it was their puppet. Orienteering it in ways only a globetrotter could.
My initial thought was that the Globetrotters were really going to play the Washington Generals in a serious ball game. But it was al fun and games. For as the game went on, there were slam dunks coupled with a back flip that ended up with the played upside down from the hoop.
There was choreography like you wouldn’t believe, all around the court throughout the game, featuring the ball of course. There were also 4 point shots 35 feet away from the court and a penalty box similar to the one used in hockey.
These men are so talented and from all around the country. One of them actually went to U of M. These guys kept my attention the entire time and the only time I left my seat was to utilize the restroom. Every flip, every joke, every skit was hilarious. They had comedy that catered to the children and the adults, though I thought a couple were a little risque.
So Yes! I was duped! The Harlem Globetrotters was a huge comedy skit, down to the opposing team. The basketball skills however were superb. I am just wondering how they would fair against a NBA team. I enjoyed it thoroughly, though I went reluctantly, I was glad I did.
FIN
