Walker steps up and so does Pierce

["Thomas Murphy" <tfmiii@worldnet.att.net>]

WOW!!

I've supported and (probably more often) criticized Walker on this list but
yesterday's leadership more than redeemed any frustration he may have caused
over the past six years.

I'm convinced that Pierce would not have snapped out of his sleepwalk if it
weren't for Walker's leadership.

It seemed after some of the cheap fouls called in the previous series and
particularly in game one (especially the 'charge' on Kidd) that Pierce has
played tentative so as to not get into foul trouble. (Remember his comments
after game one about having to stay on the court.) He needed someone to get
up in his face and tell him to play aggressive - consequences be damned -
and Walker did just that! Quite the response - just shows what heart this
entire team has!!

I've got to take my hat off to Walker for the maturity he has demonstrate
over the past six months. It's been a long time coming but what a dividend!
Go Cs!!!

PS Had to chuckle when announcer (Breen?) 'noted' how amazing it was that
Kidd played such 'aggressive defense' and yet never fouled out of a game all
year long . . . not long after a replay showed Kidd with his hands
practically down Pierce's pants on a play that Kidd complained vociferously
should have been a charge. I know all the players cut corners on D, but Kidd
seems to get away with more than most.