Lotta extracurricular activity going on during these NBA Playoffs and I'm not sure how I feel about it. And as the linked article points out, the officials are confused, too.
On the one hand, I enjoy physical basketball. They don't call me The Worm for nothing. But I get the sense that many of today's players care more about how they're perceived than winning. Translation: most of them can't deal with a little foul here and there and have to be the tough guy when their chest is gently grazed by an opponent's elbow (sounds sexy).
This certainly isn't the first year there's been scuffles in the playoffs, though.
The classic battles between the Bulls, Knicks and Pacers during the Jordan Years come to mind. Reggie Miller, John Starks, and Dennis Rodman- some people may think they were punks. I think their physicality stemmed from their genuine passion for winning.
Going back even earlier to the Bad Boys of Detroit- Bill Lambier, Isaiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Rodman. The only way that Pistons team could win a championship was by beating up its opponents. And it worked. They played the game that way because they had to. How else can you beat the Jordans, the Birds and the Magic Johnsons?
Going back to the point I made earlier, I think alot of what we're seeing during these playoffs is fake. The elbows to the head, the slaps across the face, the running through picks- none of it is necessary.
I will say, however, that I enjoy watching Ron Artest. He is one of the few NBA stars who works hard on both ends of the court (and sometimes in the stands). He plays defense, he rebounds and he won't be pushed around.
And that's Artest's game. Unfortunately, many others don't realize that kind of game isn't for everyone.
Can't believe I just wrote that much about the NBA. I don't even like it. Or do I? Damn now I'm confused. Knicks suck.
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