Call it the I-35 series, the Lone Star Shootout, or whatever you like. The Spurs-Mavericks series is shaping up to be tons of fun…especially for Spurs fans. With a 2-1 series lead and a convincing victory on enemy territory in Game 3, the Spurs are in the driver’s seat and are hoping to wrap things up by Game 5 at the SBC Center on Tuesday night. Life in Dallas seems pretty good right now. That is, unless you won’t be returning to San Antonio to enjoy the conclusion of the Spurs’ quest for a championship. So goes the life of a displaced Spurs fan living in the Big D.
Spurs fans Robert Martin and Alberto Frias prepare to will San Antonio to a Game 3 victory.
(spurs photo) |
Big buildings, Big money, and big hair dot the Texas landscape 274 miles north of San Antonio. San Antonian Robert Martin loves his Spurs, but struggles to adjust to life in a city where the Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, and Stars dominate the sports scene. “Dallas has provided me with the first hockey game I have ever been to. It certainly was a fun experience and the American Airlines Center is a great place to go, but I don’t think I’ll be cheering on the Mavericks anytime soon.”
With the Spurs in town and tickets for Game 3 hard to come by, Martin is stuck at home, just minutes from the AAC, watching the silver and black put together a dominating second half to take a 2-1 lead over Dallas in the Western Conference Finals. He is surrounded by several other loyal Spurs fans who have congregated at his apartment to will the Spurs to victory. Martin’s friend Alberto Frias road tripped up from San Antonio with hopes of catching Game 3 or 4. “We are going to try and see if we can scrounge up some tickets for Game 4. It has been hard to find a seat that isn’t outrageously priced. Hopefully as it gets closer to game time the scalpers will be looking to unload their wares and prices will come down. If not I will enjoy the game just the same at Bob’s…especially when the Spurs win!”
With Game 4 not until 7:30 p.m. on Sunday night, Martin and Frias plan on spending Saturday celebrating the Spurs victory by soaking up some of the thriving Dallas night life and possibly partaking in some good natured ribbing with the Mavs fans. To anyone who advises not looking too far ahead in the series, Frias makes it clear that the Game 3 victory is one to be savored. “There probably won’t be too much smack talking because of their injury situation, but I’m certainly not going to let that get in the way of representing mi gente back home in San Antonio.”
Soon after Game 3 is over, the predictions for the rest of the series take center stage. “It is great to see the Spurs pick up Game 3,” Martin says. “I think that it was crucial for them to pick up back-to-back victories after dropping Game 1 in San Antonio. They are totally on their way to the finals, but I’ve been saying that since the beginning of the season. SA will get it done in six games against the Mavs and the only reason I say that is because I want another chance to go see Spurs fever at the AAC!”
Whatever the case, fans in San Antonio can rest assured there will be at least one voice in Dallas cheering along with them when it’s time for “Go Spurs Go!”
