Post by IamQuailman on Dec 31, 2013 18:49:17 GMT -6
Adversity... it's that feeling in the pit of your stomach right now. That anguish after a tough Game 4 loss. It's that ache inside of you that wants to just pack it in and go home. You have to fight it! Do not let it take you away from this contest. Not today. You are a mother fucker. It's up to you to make this game happen! In times of adversity true athletes perform! In times of tragedy true athletes overcome and persevere!
Today, we are underdogs! The comeback kings! The media has dumped on us. The fans have their doubts. Hell, some of you in this locker room have doubts about tonight's game. But, I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t matter what everyone else thinks. What does matter is how well you play this game and who’s on top when the game ends! Today, we are mother fuckers.
Let me tell you the story of the ‘Miracle on Ice.” Some of you may be familiar with this story. Back in 1980 the US Olympic Men’s Hockey Team pulled off one of the biggest upsets in sports history. They were the underdogs and they captured the gold medals. They were a group of unknown college kids and amateurs who came together as one unit and upset a heavily favored team of Russian professionals.
Their coach, Herb Brooks, told them before the match that if they played the Russians ten times, they might lose nine out of ten, but they weren’t going to lose that one! He said “…One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight. Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!...” That day’s game was going to be the one-in-ten that they win. Why? Because they can! Because they were mother fuckers!
It has happened many times in history, ever since David defeated Goliath. The underdog can win! Why? Because they can! Nothing in life is guaranteed. They aren’t guaranteed a win tonight. David Robinson isn't guaranteed a big game tonight. We will go out and dominate the boards as we have been. We will go out and outshoot them from the 3pt line. We will go out there and hustle! You know why? The favorite team doesn’t always win. When they relax, when they let their guard down, when they take you for granted, and when you out-play them – they will be defeated! Because they can! Because you will! Because you are mother fuckers!
Robert Parish. You've been in the NBA for 15 years. People see you as washed-up. People think you are a has-been. Do has-been's rank Top 15 in rebounding? Do has-been's shut down young bucks like Patrick Ewing and David Robinson? Because you aren't a has-been. You are a mother fucker.
Kevin Willis. Do you think those that doubted your ability are regretting their decisions to not draft you? Because I sure as hell wouldn't want to play against you. You scare me. You gobble boards up like a Thanksgiving dinner. You are a mother fucker.
Terry Catledge. People label you as one-dimensional. I guess getting to the free throw line is a dimension they don't think about. You were the heart and soul of our bench. Now is your time to show what you got. You are a mother fucker.
Dell Curry. Overlooked by many as an "average" shooter. Overlooked by many as an "average" defender. Heh. Tell that to Ricky Pierce and Stacey Augmon. You are a mother fucker.
Michael Adams. The Pistons gave up on you. They thought Dawkins was a better prospect. I guess those 10 assists per game and 2 steals per game don't mean anything. You are a mother fucker.
Individually, we may be battered and bruised and tired. But as a team? We are one. We are unstoppable. WE. ARE. MOTHER FUCKERS.
In the infamous words of coach Herb Brooks, “This is your time! Now go out there and take it!” LET'S GO OUT THERE, FUCK MOTHERS, AND PLAY BUCKS BASKETBALL!
