Coach Loosens Up
Before Game 4, members of Lakers personnel were crowded around the trainer’s table. That area is off-limits to reporters, so it was difficult to tell at first, through the opening and closing door, who it was that the trainer was working on. Was there an injury we didn’t know about? Some cause for concern? A chink in the Lakers’ armor? As the door opened and closed once more all questions were answered. The Nets would have no surprise advantage. The man on the table who had everyone looking so worried was Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Hey, winning nine championships can take its toll on a guy.
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The Nets have had some incredible fan support during this playoff run. Perhaps some of the most visible supporters have been fifth graders from the elementary school in Livingston, N.J., where Byron Scott’s son DaRon goes to school. Those kids made an enormous banner that has been hanging in the Nets' locker room since the Charlotte series. It’s obvious the kids put a lot of heart into the project, and it’s full of all sorts of inspirational messages like “Good luck in the big game.” A boy named William came up with a nice little rhyme: “No matter if you win or lose, the crowd won’t ever give you any boos.” Then there was the sentimental favorite, which opened with some creative spelling, saying “Dear Neds…”
Big Boys, Big Toys
When Kobe Bryant was leaving the podium after winning his third straight title, he hoisted the championship trophy, donned his championship cap, and pumped one fist in the air. Shaquille O’Neal, on the other hand, had a different approach. After answering the last question from a reporter, he turned to superstar real estate tycoon Donald Trump, who was on hand, and said, “I’d like to thank Donald Trump for selling me his plane. I appreciate it.” Ever thankful for being appreciated, Trump replied cordially by saying “Thanks Shaq, it’s yours.”
Take a Break
Kenyon Martin played a little bit like a super-hero on Wednesday night -- he led the Nets with 35 points and 11 rebounds. But even super-heroes, it would seem, have to go to the bathroom occasionally. With 5:42 left and the game on the line, Martin left his teammates chatting on the bench as he sprinted off the court, and under the stands to the locker room. A minute or two later -- just seconds before play resumed -- he returned to join his team on the bench.
Careful Where You Spray That
Not surprisingly, the Lakers’ locker room reeked of champagne shortly after the L.A. victory. Reporters, camera crews, even cameras themselves were wearing ponchos. A lot of the players’ families were on hand, and there were hugs all around. Everyone was happy, and covered in sparkling wine. People were saying very loving and supportive things to each other. Like what one player’s mother said as she hugged Devean George (who had another tremendous game): “Oh, Devean,” she said with a smile, “you’re so wet.”
Just Warming Up?
Shortly after the game ended, lifetime Laker Magic Johnson was asked how many championships he thinks 23-year-old Kobe Bryant might win in his career. Magic thought for a while and then confessed that “nine or 10” could be realistic.
