Thread by @sethjlevy

In 2010 when Chris Bosh announced he would sign with the Miami Heat, I speculated that this meant Lebron would ultimately also sign with Miami so I called the ticket office the same day and bought a pair of season tickets.

That started a five year period where I was a Miami Heat season ticket holder. Lebron did ultimate take his talents to South Beach forming the big 3. They famously and (over) confidently announced they’d win “not one, not two, not three” championships.

Well it turned out that the first year was a struggle. They looked awful at many points but they did ultimately make the NBA Finals where they faced the Dallas Mavericks. It was a revenge series for Dallas’s 2006 Finals loss to Miami.

My wife and I were in the building for game 6. Dallas pulled ahead late and we watched as they celebrated their championship on our court. It was not a pleasant experience.

Then in 2011/2012 Miami got their act together and won the NBA Finals vs OKC in 5 games. My wife and I were in the stands for the game 5 blowout, 121-106. That game was probably her favorite because we led start to finish. Kelly hates the stress of close games.

The next year the Heat rolled through the regular season and into the NBA Finals again where they faced the San Antonio Spurs. They gave Miami everything they had and then some. It was a back and forth series. Entering game 6 San Antonio was up 3 games to 2.

We were in the stands again for game 6. It was a great game, competitive from start to finish. In the third quarter San Antonio went up by as much as 10 points but with 5 minutes left in the fourth Miami tied the score at 82.

Then the Heat took the lead by 3, 89-86 with under 2 minutes to go but the Spurs quickly roared back and with 30 seconds left took a five point lead. And now we arrive at the whole point of telling this story.

When San Antonio went up 5, my wife, who as I said earlier hates the stress of close games and dealing with the memories of the 2011 Finals loss to Dallas, turned to me and said, “I can’t sit here and watch them lose again.” I understood but for me these moments are why I watch.

So I told her, “You can go and wait for me in the walkway but I’m not leaving until the game is over.”

She walked out.

What happened?

Well the Heat mounted the most improbable comeback in NBA Finals history that ended with a Bosh offensive rebound and kick out to Ray Allen.

Allen hit the three pointer in the corner with 5 seconds left to tie the game. The arena erupted. The building was literally shaking. As the game went to overtime, my wife returned stunned at what had transpired and we watched the Heat win in overtime.

It was a game and a moment neither of us will ever forget.

So why do I tell this story?

Because I get it. As Trump supporters we are down 5 with 30 seconds left. Winning from here is improbable. Some of you want to leave the arena to avoid the anxiety and pain of a loss.

But it is actually these moments and situations that also provide the most elation and lasting memories. It’s not easy to stay in your seat and watch. There are reasons to doubt.

But here is the truth. The reality. As long as there is time on the clock, the game isn’t over.