Open Thread: Road trippin’ to OKC with Spurs journalists
For me, writing can be a solitary thing. As I write this, it’s 10:03 p.m. Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals just ended. I am sitting on the couch.
This season, I have been fortunate to be credentialed, affording me an opportunity to not only attend the games in person, but to observe many longtime newspaper sportswriters, local TV journalists, and national periodical writers.
On Monday, I drove up to Oklahoma City for games 1 and 2. Eight hour drive and many hours hanging out at Paycom Center. I had some amazing conversations with Carolina Teague (Spurfect), Tom Petrini (Spurs on SI), Maxime Aubin (L’Equipe), and Matt Guzman (Spurs on SI). Over the course of the season, I have witnessed their press conference style and gleaned knowledge from their writing. They all hustle, writing into the wee hours of the night. Their work ethic inspires me. I slept very little in Oklahoma, to say the least.
Late night games lead to later night writing. Morning media availability, shoot arounds, practice, pre and postgame press conferences followed by yeat another high-adrenalin game. With the series set for games every forty-eight hours, there is little time to reset.
In addition to the local coverage for the Spurs, the Western Conference Finals has brought in national writers, many who I follow intently. I heard one writer from a national magazine state that he’sdwanted to see more Spurs games in person throughout the regular season, but spends most of the year traveling to multiple locations and can’t quite lock in on one team until the postseason.
This is my ninth year with Pounding the Rock. I have written more than 3,000 posts, and to be honest, I am still finding my voice. Sitting with these writers — in some cases for hours in a car, or talking through footage while rewatching Game 1, or over Chinese food while analyzing the Knicks game 1 comeback in real time — I heard in perspectives I hadn’t considered. I was privy to minds that are locked on basketball 24/7.
Personally, I am partial to Pounding The Rock. This is where I started my Spurs journey. And so, as the postseason intensifies, I am increasing my visibility and promotion of this site. If you don’t follow me on X.com (formerly Twitter) you can catch my pre and post game videos: https://x.com/JephDuarte
I also am now posting exclusive behind the scenes video content on Facebook and Instagram.
There is an abundance of Spurs info out there, but PoundingThe Rock.com is home, and has a great team of contributors. I appreciate all of you who read the Open Thread and encourage you to follow the other members of this crew.
Game 3 tips off tonight back home in the Frost Bank Center. I’ll be there to get updates on Mitch Johnson’s pregame press conference, player availability, shoot around, starting lineups, and to capture the vibes as the Western Conference Finals get a Fiesta makeover.
Go Spurs Go!
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