LeBron no-call vs. Durant worst in NBA since Jordan’s pushoff
By CLIFF BRUNT
ISL Editor
Fourteen years ago, a heinous crime was committed on a basketball court in Salt Lake City.
The victim, Bryon Russell, saw no justice. The perpetrator, Michael Jordan, walked free.
Jordan’s Chicago Bulls trailed the Utah Jazz 86-85 in the final seconds of Game 6 in the 1998 NBA Finals when Jordan, inexplicably, unnecessarily, shoved the poor, innocent Russell halfway across the gym before attempting to give his team the lead.
Of course, there was no call. He was Michael Jordan. Instead of berating an official bold enough to make the right call, he pulled up, made a 20-foot jumper, had the nerve to pose after his felonious assault and won the NBA title.
Jordan should still be in jail for that one.
For years, never had such a crime been committed on an NBA court.
Until Thursday.
With Miami leading 98-96 in the final seconds of Game 2, Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant drove to the hoop. The best offensive player in the world was fouled by league MVP LeBron James. So clearly was Durant fouled, that advocates of ‘let ’em play’ even agreed it was a foul.
You could tell it was a foul because of Durant’s response. He sought out an official, palms raised, demanding an explanation. Durant rarely speaks to officials. That he did in this case says a lot.
After the missed call, James was fouled, made both free throws, and the Heat beat the Thunder 100-96 to tie the Finals series at one win apiece.
What the official told you might not have sufficed, Kevin, so here’s your explanation and your challenge.
You didn’t get that call because you are not yet considered the best player in the world. You’re not quite there, big man. Jordan did whatever he wanted, when he wanted and rarely was called for a foul. Now, Jordan was a special player, and he didn’t need to foul to shut people down. Just saying, he committed a few more fouls than he was called for over the years.
To his credit, James rarely fouls, either. He was on the all-defense team. During the Indiana series, Pacers coach Frank Vogel specifically praised James for his ability to be physical without fouling. If it’s any consolation, Kevin, you’re so good that James had no choice but to foul you at crunch time.
But don’t you dare settle for that. Jordan would have gotten that call. Kobe Bryant would have gotten that call. Heck, Dwyane Wade probably would have gotten it, too. After all, he’s got a ring, and nobody can sell a foul like Wade. And yes, LeBron would have gotten it. But you, Kevin, at home, in the Finals, with three scoring titles, didn’t get it. You’re not ready. And, for the record, you need to brush up on your acting skills. Spend a little extra time watching film of Wade fall all over the place after he gets fouled, then practice doing the same. It might pay off someday. Then again, you might be too nice a guy to flop. Maybe you have too much pride. Ugh, Kevin. That’s why we love you, and that’s why you frustrate us all just a little bit.
Here’s the silver lining, big 35. You’ve got a chance to become that guy, starting tonight in Miami. Beat the Heat and lead the Thunder to a championship, be the Finals MVP, give the officials a reason to consider you the best in the world, and you get that call for the rest of your career. It’s kind of like fraternity hazing. You have to suffer to get the benefits.
You are clearly capable of being that guy. The mere fact that your team was in position to win after all that happened tells us all that.
But don’t just almost be that guy. Make it real. Beat the Heat and assume your rightful position among the greats.
Then some other guy can be Bryon Russell and you can celebrate your championship.
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So, what do you think? Did LeBron foul? Or should they have overlooked the contact? Comment below!
