Rainmen burn Atlanta 134-118

Actually, the game was closer than that score indicates, until the Rainmen opened it up in the fourth quarter.

I am pretty impressed that Atlanta made the trip up here. I wasn't sure how good they would be, considering they have only played a couple of handfuls of games, and most of those against the weak sisters of the South division - Georgia and Bahamas.

Even though Atlanta's bags got lost in the flight, the players still showed up, wearing Team Canada hockey T-shirts with makeshift numbers made from masking tape on their backs. Before long, the tape starting peeling off, until we had to take the referee's word on which number player had fouled later in the game since only one or two players still had their numbers by half-time.

The Atlanta coach was very professional, introducing himself to the front table before the game and being the best-dressed coach we have seen in the ABA (sorry, Rick; you came a close second in coach’s wardrobe last night). So thanks Atlanta Vision, you helped the Rainmen finish their season and raised yourselves in my books, too.

Our team is firing on all pistons and at the right time too: as playoffs approach. Whatever the coaching staff have changed with the new lineup is working, especially for Brian. He is getting a lot more chances to put up uncontested threes and we are seeing his talent shine at last. While it helps that we are playing weaker teams lately, I think we have a good chance in Quebec, even against teams that have previously given us trouble on the court.

However, my pessimistic side is already thinking about how many/few players will be back next year. Just when we get the team we have been waiting for all season, it will be 9 months before we see them in action again. Given the pay levels for the players, I will not be surprised if a lot of them do not return next year, as life continues in the off-season and other opportunities — basketball-related or not — arise for our veterans.

I just want to say to the Rainmen, whoever reads this: thanks for a great season, you are all gentlemen and it was nice to meet you and cheer you on from the front row, behind RS Smooth. I hope to see you all again next season and in particular, I will keep putting up KD boxes for Kadiri’s blocks as long as he is in Halifax.

Best of luck tonight and in Quebec!