Sometimes it’s the physical game that allows a team to win a game, series, championship, but sometimes the mental aspect of a game becomes just as, if not more important.
Game 4. dying seconds. The Phoenix Suns, poised for the win, tying the series at 2 and sending it back to Phoenix for 2 of the series final 3 games, when Robert Horry hip checks two time MVP Steve Nash into the scorers table, igniting a melee. In the midst of all of the nonsense, Amare Stoudemire ventured from the bench in defense of his assaulted teammate - a grave NBA no-no. Stoudemire earns a one game suspension, providing a clear advantage for San Antonio heading into a pivotal game 5. the Spurs prevail, ripping home court advantage away from the Suns and proceed to put away a valiant, but clearly rattled Suns team in game 6, leaving folks in the desert lamenting over what may have been.
That is why San Antonio is a perennial contender.
People can say what they want about Horry thugging it up in a game that's outcome was well decided but take a closer look. Horry did not go after Nash's knee, there was no blow to the head. Horry was simply sending a message to a somewhat soft Suns team that, in a series marked by its physicality, the best, or worst was yet to come. What Horry also did, in a game that was virtually over and sensing series momentum shifting the Suns way, was cast a line hoping for a nibble. Seems like a bit of a stretch in that no one will ever know Horry's true intentions, but giving him the benefit of the doubt and looking at how the situation unfolded in retrospect, Horry's actions may grow to be considered hooligan genius.
People may cry that an NBA rule, callous and unopen to interpretation and judgement, and not the Spurs, eliminated Phoenix. To this complaint, the response should be, 'A Rule Is A Rule'. Again, 'A RULE IS A RULE''.
Every player, coach, general manager, and owner in the Association is aware that leaving the bench, under any circumstances, will result in a one game suspension. To sympathizers that wonder how anyone can expect athletes, in the heat of the moment to be able to maintain their composure, the response should be that that should be the absolute LEAST to be expected of them. That argument is a blatant cop out and lending it any credance sets a dangerous precedent. Should a hockey player who retaliates at a cheap shot with a high stick to the face, or a pitcher head hunting in retribution for a perceived show boating home run trot be forgiven because their actions were deemed to be, 'in the heat of the moment'. These are among the finest physical performers on the planet, competing at the highest level within their profession while earning tens of millions of dollars. Being able to properly control their emotions is a trait that should be expected and not hoped for.
Not that NBA basketball players, or the rest of the world for that matter, watches hockey but a valuable lesson could have been learned from the Ducks / Red Wings Western Conference Final. With the series tied at 1 and Detroit holding a commanding 4-0 lead in the 3rd game, Anaheim Defenceman Chris Pronger runs Red Wings Forward and arguably, Detroit's most impessive play off performer Tomas Holmstrom, into the boards from behind. While Holmstrom lay on the ice, visably disoriented, blood running from two separate cuts on his forehead, Red Wings players, instead of setting off an ugly scene that may have resulted in suspensions, decided to let discretion be the better part of valor and left the ice with a 5-0 win while Pronger earned a one game suspension. Had Stoudemire showed the same restraint, not only would he have been available for game 5 but one would have to think that the game officials, tired of San Antonio's antics, would have been more inclinded to call a tighter game, easily playing to the Suns strength.
Instead, the Suns have set, ultimately masters of their own demise, the Spurs continue on in search of their 4th NBA championship in 8 years and Horry adds a new meaning to his imfamous, 'Big Shot Bob' moniker.
Gotta go, 'Degrassi High' is on.
Game 4. dying seconds. The Phoenix Suns, poised for the win, tying the series at 2 and sending it back to Phoenix for 2 of the series final 3 games, when Robert Horry hip checks two time MVP Steve Nash into the scorers table, igniting a melee. In the midst of all of the nonsense, Amare Stoudemire ventured from the bench in defense of his assaulted teammate - a grave NBA no-no. Stoudemire earns a one game suspension, providing a clear advantage for San Antonio heading into a pivotal game 5. the Spurs prevail, ripping home court advantage away from the Suns and proceed to put away a valiant, but clearly rattled Suns team in game 6, leaving folks in the desert lamenting over what may have been.
That is why San Antonio is a perennial contender.
People can say what they want about Horry thugging it up in a game that's outcome was well decided but take a closer look. Horry did not go after Nash's knee, there was no blow to the head. Horry was simply sending a message to a somewhat soft Suns team that, in a series marked by its physicality, the best, or worst was yet to come. What Horry also did, in a game that was virtually over and sensing series momentum shifting the Suns way, was cast a line hoping for a nibble. Seems like a bit of a stretch in that no one will ever know Horry's true intentions, but giving him the benefit of the doubt and looking at how the situation unfolded in retrospect, Horry's actions may grow to be considered hooligan genius.
People may cry that an NBA rule, callous and unopen to interpretation and judgement, and not the Spurs, eliminated Phoenix. To this complaint, the response should be, 'A Rule Is A Rule'. Again, 'A RULE IS A RULE''.
Every player, coach, general manager, and owner in the Association is aware that leaving the bench, under any circumstances, will result in a one game suspension. To sympathizers that wonder how anyone can expect athletes, in the heat of the moment to be able to maintain their composure, the response should be that that should be the absolute LEAST to be expected of them. That argument is a blatant cop out and lending it any credance sets a dangerous precedent. Should a hockey player who retaliates at a cheap shot with a high stick to the face, or a pitcher head hunting in retribution for a perceived show boating home run trot be forgiven because their actions were deemed to be, 'in the heat of the moment'. These are among the finest physical performers on the planet, competing at the highest level within their profession while earning tens of millions of dollars. Being able to properly control their emotions is a trait that should be expected and not hoped for.
Not that NBA basketball players, or the rest of the world for that matter, watches hockey but a valuable lesson could have been learned from the Ducks / Red Wings Western Conference Final. With the series tied at 1 and Detroit holding a commanding 4-0 lead in the 3rd game, Anaheim Defenceman Chris Pronger runs Red Wings Forward and arguably, Detroit's most impessive play off performer Tomas Holmstrom, into the boards from behind. While Holmstrom lay on the ice, visably disoriented, blood running from two separate cuts on his forehead, Red Wings players, instead of setting off an ugly scene that may have resulted in suspensions, decided to let discretion be the better part of valor and left the ice with a 5-0 win while Pronger earned a one game suspension. Had Stoudemire showed the same restraint, not only would he have been available for game 5 but one would have to think that the game officials, tired of San Antonio's antics, would have been more inclinded to call a tighter game, easily playing to the Suns strength.
Instead, the Suns have set, ultimately masters of their own demise, the Spurs continue on in search of their 4th NBA championship in 8 years and Horry adds a new meaning to his imfamous, 'Big Shot Bob' moniker.
Gotta go, 'Degrassi High' is on.
posted by average john at 3:12 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home