Re: Misc.

[Mike Dynon <mdynon@ix.netcom.com>]

Shailendra K. Mishra wrote:

> > From dsbubar@mail.hac.com Mon Mar  2 17:20:45 1998
> >
> >      I've got to agree with the comments on Walker.  At first I saw the
> >      102-101 win on the ESPN2 ticker and was thrilled.  Once I saw the
> >      highlights on Sportscenter I was a little less thrilled that they blew
> >      a 25 point lead in the 4th quarter.  Then I see Walker celebrating on
> >      a courtside table ala Jordan and I wasn't even happy they had won
> >      anymore.  He has got to get rid of that act.
> >
> >      dsb
>
> Why is everybody so down on Walker. He didn't single handedly allow the Blazers
> to come back. Why can't everybody be logical, and give Blazers credit on the
> comeback, instead of saying that it was Walker's trash talking that triggered
> the comeback. Sure he trash-talks and show boats, so what? it's not as if he is
> exhibiting criminal behavior. - Mishra

I'm backing Mishra here.  So many people on the list are down on Walker for so
many things: "His 25 points, 9-19 shooting and 11 boards almost meant nothing,
because, damn it, he missed four free throws!!!  What is wrong with this guy?"

Yes, I cringe when Walker wiggles, but I try to remember that he's only 21 years
old. He has "youthful exuberance" (which is a nice way of saying he's immature).
He jumped on the table to celebrate because he was HAPPY.  He scored the
winning point, and his team WON.  Someone at his stage of life is probably not
going to think at that moment, "Gee, I wish I had made both free throws."  In the
NBA and in life, 21-year-olds with the demeanor of Ron Mercer are most definitely
the exception; the Antoine Walkers are (unfortunately) the rule.

Regarding the game, it's excruciating to watch that type of 4th quarter, but it happens
to every NBA team.  A couple of weeks ago, the Bulls--at home--blew a 23-point
lead to Atlanta before winning on a buzzer shot by Jordan.  A win is a win is a win, or
would you rather be in the position of a Portland fan today, asking yourself, "Why did
we lose by 65 and then by just one?  Why did Rider miss the opening tip to run to the
men's room?  Why did we play only one good quarter while Boston played three?  Why
are we paying Wallace umpteen million to score seven points and commit a boneheaded foul?"

Mike Dynon