In this segment of New Hampshire Now, Chris Ryan goes on location to report on the championship celebration by Concord’s own Matt Bonner and the San Antonio Spurs. The broadcast also included the sites and culture of the beautiful city of San Antonio, Texas. In the interview, Matt discussed the emotions of the pregame ceremonies. There was a highlight film of the 2013-2014 season and the grueling playoffs. Next came the excitement of the ring ceremony and then the hoisting of the 2014 NBA Championship Banner to the rafters of the AT&T Center. Matt and the team then had to get their emotions in check and play a tough conference rival, the Dallas Mavericks. As a starter, Matt also had the difficult assignment of guarding future hall of famer, Dirk Nowitzki. It was an exciting game with the lead see sawing back and forth. The Spurs managed a one point victory 101-100. Chris also interviewed two of Matt’s team mates–future hall of famer, Tim Duncan and emerging star, Kawhi Leonard.
No trip to San Antonio would be complete without going to the Alamo. Chris had a chance to interview Dr. Bruce Winters, the historian and curator of what Texans call the Shrine of Texas Independence. The heroic last stand during the war of the Texas Independence in 1836 is still important today. Chris and Dr. Winters discussed recent documents which have helped to shed more light on this famous, historic event. They also discussed the question, “What if the Alamo happened today and was covered by modern media and the principal actors were on modern social media?”
Next, Chris stopped at the Original Rudy’s Barbeque in Leon Springs, Texas. The interview was with grill master, Stacey who shared the fine points of slow cooking briskets and ribs. They also discussed to sauce or not to sauce. Chris related how disappointed he was that on a previous trip his bottles of Rudy’s barbeque Sauce were confiscated by airport security. Stacey claimed that the TSA agents did that so they could have the sauce for themselves, but we all can order it on line.
In the next segment, Matt reflected on his nine years with San Antonio Spurs and looked to the future of the 2014-2015 season. They also discussed the changes which have occurred in the league, such as big men like Matt who are gifted outside shooters. That was followed by an interview with Boston Celtics star, Kelly Olynyk. As you probably know this year, you can hear all of the Celtics games here on WKXL.
