H o o p s C o r n e r . c o m
<< Previous Next >>
--------------------
June 08, 2005
In the course of the Miami-Detroit Conference finals series, one key game changed the whole outcome: Detroit winning game 4 when loosing it would have put them down in a 3-1 hole, leaving Miami to stare them down and land the coup de grace.
But it didnt't happen that way and Detroit is enjoying another trip to the NBA finals
Some might say it was part luck because Miami is the better team and just caught the injury bug at the wrong time, and part hustle because the Heat's injuries slowed them down enough to make them prey for Detroit. All worthy explanations, but enough.
A true hoops guru however knows that:
- the Heat having home court in the series wasn't an advantage, rather an equalizer,
- Shaq knew injuries were going to slow them down at some crucial moment, that's why he cruised on Dwyane Wade back the whole season.
- Injuries are part of the equation in the playoffs, no ifs (if the Heat were healthy) or buts (but Miami was missing its second star). Being in shape or sidelined at such a dire time is directly related to the team's level of preparedness, experience (knowing how to care for oneself and playing smartly), and their worthyness to a higher status.
- In classic sports speak or any other competition, going down at a crucial moment is called "choking". Dwyane Wade being in just his second season is very impressive. But to reach what a lot of players would consider the pinnacle of their career, takes more than being impressive. If not all the great players would be wearing more than wedding rings on their fingers.
Such a rarified state which often takes time is a mixture of many attributes such as talent, skill, experience, dedication, a good dollop of ruthlessness (well someone has got to fear you a little), swagger, and pure 500% proof desire. All of those characteristics put together will put the athlete in an almost Divine state known as "The Zone" where come hail or storm he still performs marvelously.
- this list would be quite different had the Heat prevailed.
--------------------
<< Previous Next >>
Back to 2004-05 archive
|
|