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No shot was ever bigger in Spurs history than the 'Memorial Day Miracle', Sean Elliott's amazing 3 pointer to bring the Spurs all the way back from an 18-point deficit to take Game 2 from the Portland Trailblazers in the Alamodome last Monday. I have heard from various sources that in years past, Elliott was perceived as one who would pass up pressure shots. What a way to silence the critics! I have followed Sean since his high school days in Tucson, AZ where Cholla High School has the gym named after him. The whole city of San Antonio would probably name him Mayor after his game saving performance.
As the West Coast correspondent, I have had to look for creative ways to tell a story after these Spurs swept the Lakers. Here are my takes all having to do with my favorite Spur, Sean Elliott aka "the Ninja."
1) Twin Towers? What about the "Wooden Frontcourt?" Tim Duncan, David Robinson, AND Sean Elliott have all won college basketball's best player of the year trophy, the John Wooden Award, in their senior year. The award is named after the greatest college coach in NCAA history, John Wooden of UCLA, who won more NCAA basketball titles than anyone in history. NBC should now know that the "other" front court player is prime time in his own right.
2) Tim Gurgrich, Asst. Coach of the Portland Trailblazers must be kicking himself right now. During the summer last year, Sean attended Pete Newell's highly acclaimed "Big Man" camp where Elliott was a star performer. Gurgrich offered Sean extra help after the camp to continue his progress and it has paid off dividends against Gurgrich's Blazers.
3) A newspaper in Tucson has a very interesting viewpoint as far as the San Antonio-Portland Series goes, A "Wildcat" performance chart so to speak. Sean Elliott and Steve Kerr both played for the University of Arizona in the late 80's, while Damon Stoudamire played for U of A in the mid to late 90's. Every day, the focus of this sports section is on these three former "Wildcats." Lute Olson, who coached all three players, should be giddy since this brings some attention to his program in the desert as college recruits consider where to play college basketball. A spotlight shine, The University of Arizona just received a top transfer from Bobby Knight's Indiana University.
4) As the MVP award was handed out today to Karl Malone, I could not help feel for Tim Duncan who should have won this award hands down, just as David Robinson should have been named to All Defensive Team. AND. just as Sean Elliott should have received some support for the "Most Improved Player" of the Year award after missing parts of the previous two seasons. Will San Antonio win anything? A NBA title would do just fine.
Finally point #5.
Sean was known as a soft-spoken player. Do we all hear Sean now? I would say yes.
Won't take the pressure shots? Can you imagine how much pressure he would have faced if he MISSED that shot? Elliott must have "agua de 'Gervin'" in his veins!
Another diss to rectify would be Stoudamire's comments that Avery Johnson would never lead the Spurs to a title. AJ, our little general always speaks about going to the Promised Land. What better justice would be served to Damon than to watch Avery and his teammates lift the Lawrence O' Brien Trophy over their heads!
Last quote to get you riled up, Spurs fans.
"Sean has never been a shooter. A shooter is someone who is a designated three-point shooter, and he's never had that role. We just hope it's a one-game thing. We know he's athletic and can play, but shooting threes is not his best trait." -Isaiah Rider
Now a quote from Sean, which was not a response to Rider's comment, but is definitely appropriate.
After Mike Dunleavy stated after game 2 in the interview room, "I've got $100 right here that says he can't make that shot again."
"I could do it again, I'm still feeling it now."-Sean Elliott
Dunleavy could lose more than $100. A series is at stake. In addition, Sean Elliott and his fellow Spurs are gunning for the NBA title, up 2-0 to Dunleavy's Blazers. Moreover, I am still feeling like Sean the shooter is reloading. or slicing as a Ninja does.
By Joe Tangonan
Joe Tangonan hails from California and will keep us up to date on the Los Angeles media's opinions on the Spurs V LA series.
Was Sean's shot the biggest in Spurs history? Step on the Soapbox and have your say.
