DetroitShock.com's photographic tour of Phoenix
Photos from Phoenix: Day Three, Part 3
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Glow in the dark Thunderstix for the introductions – a nice effect, if only for 90 seconds. Curiously, the Mercury actually played Europe’s “The Final Countdown” – signature Detroit basketball music – during the Shock player introductions. I thought that was pretty cool. |
At the end of the first quarter, the Mercury recognized several of Arizona’s sons and daughters who have served in Iraq. You can barely see them on the other side of the flag. The standing ovation was immediate, sustained, and well deserved. Then one of the sailors led the crowd in singing, “God Bless America.” With a brief moment of silence before the game and a terrific trumpet player for the national anthem, the Mercury hit just the right note with their observation of the date, Sept. 11. |
I had not seen this before: the Mercury let fans take “the train” onto the court during a third-quarter break. That seems problematic to me, but they all got off the court in a timely fashion. Still, I think the Shock will pass on this one … |
I could have taken a picture of Arizona’s governor, Janet Napolitano, who got a standing ovation from a majority of the crowd just before halftime. (“Things that would never happen in Michigan,” exhibit 314.) I could have taken a picture of Grant Hill, who was courtside along with new Suns GM Steve Kerr and head coach Mike D’Antoni. But you could see their pictures on any Web site. So I give you “rat-tail man.” I had to hurry, only adding to the Lochness-quality of the shot, but it’s clear as a Phoenix day. Exclusively on DetroitShock.com. |