I Wanted To Write About Kirk Gibson
But Kobe Changed My Mind
May 31, 2010
By: O. J. Cunningham
I watched Kobe lead the Lakers past the Suns last night and I would like to announce -- for the record -- that I am a "believer" in L.A.'s #24.
Whether you like the guy or not, Saturday night's shooting clinic down the stretch (over the clinging Grant Hill) was one of the more remarkable performance in the history of NBA playoff basketball.
After the game, every court-side announcer in a sport coat, was ooohing and ahhhing and making clichéd comparisons between Kobe and Michael Jordan.
To be sure, the comparisons are deserving.
But it might be an "age" thing.
I'm sure the Social Security crowd (65+) might have a different perspective.
Ya see . . . I have vivid memories of Boston's Bill Sharman, Bob Cousey, Bill Russell and John Havlicek. There's Magic and Larry Bird, Elgin Baylor, Oscar Robertson, Jerry West, Walt Frasier, Dave Bing, Isiah Thomas, blah, blah and Michael Jordan. (Did I forget Reggie Miller?)
I'm sure I missed another dozen and missed listing your favorite player's most memorable performance. And that's my point!
Shooting performances like Kobe's on Saturday night against the Suns was worth of any and all adjectives that usually are bestowed on super-human athletic performances.
All I'm saying is that I've made a spot in my memory bank for Kobe.
Below . . . you can find a bonus video featuring Kirk Gibson. I never liked Kirk Gibson . . . I'll always remember this homer. (But in reality, my memory of Charlie "Paw Paw" Maxwell's Sunday home runs is more vivid.
I don't believe what I've just seen . . .
Kirk Gibson's World Series Home Run for the Dodgers in 1988 . . . off Dennis Eckersley in the 9th inning of Game 1, with Vin Scully's classic call. ...
"In a year that has been so improbable . . . the impossible has happened . . . I don't believe what I've just seen . . ."