Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:51 pm
It's possible the greatest rivalry in sports today. It is not a rivalry between players, but a rivalry between their fans.
Through various interviews from both players, there doesn't seem to be any tremendous animosity between the two—certainly not of the nature of the intense feelings that existed between Magic and Larry or MJ and Isaiah—but it remains a rivalry because of the animosity that exists between their most earnest fans.
As a personal fan of both players, I find myself often defending myself against charges of being a "hater" if I recognize a flaw in one of their games, or say that one does something better than the other. The problem is that the players aren't mutually exclusive. Both can be and are incredible players. Here are five things that if both recognize, there can be peace restored to the NBA. After that, I'll start working on the Middle East.
Thu Sep 02, 2010 10:18 pm
Since 2003 the two players have made more game winning shots (defined as less than 24 seconds left where a made basket would put the team in front) than any other player in basketball. They've made about 21 shots each, more than anyone else in the NBA. If you're not arrogant you don't take that shot that many times.
Thu Sep 02, 2010 10:21 pm
Thu Sep 02, 2010 10:37 pm
Thu Sep 02, 2010 11:18 pm
Fri Sep 03, 2010 12:28 am
Fri Sep 03, 2010 1:53 am
After that, I'll start working on the Middle East.