The '08 NBA playoffs have provided another dramatic twist with some of the same characters from last year's heavily disputed Western Conference semifinal series. Robert Horry of the Spurs, the villain that everyone loves to hate, is back on the chopping block for his tough back pick on the Hornets' David West. Playing with an already fragile back that everyone knew about, West fell in a heap on the floor early in the 4th quarter of their blowout loss in Game 6.
Phoenix Suns fans now have the company of New Orleans fans for their ire towards the 16 year veteran as they still remember last year's hip check foul that threw Steve Nash in to the sideline boards, nearly clearing the benches, resulting in 1 game suspensions for two of the Suns' vital players. Considering West's 38-point dismantling of the defending champs in Game 5, many believe Horry zeroed in on this postseason's threat to end his season and cowardly threw a targeted hit on the affected area. Is this a trend or just a coincidence?
Horry came out defending his actions Saturday saying, "It was a regular back pick. I wasn't trying to hurt him, I'm sorry he got hurt, but that's the game of basketball." For many of us that were expecting a denial ice cream sundae, covered with whipped cream and a few nicety cherries, they are feeling like he's taken another shot, this time to our faces. Although sports is known to be filled with fierce competition and trash talking with words only LeBron James would say to his mother; public statements and quick responses to reporters' questions about opponents are always filled with gushing compliments in order to keep a positive image. We all know they're simply being nice to our faces; at least Horry let us know what he really feels about the situation. He didn't mean to hurt West and he doesn't completely care that he did. Now, put down the walker and let's play Game 7! Every drama needs a bad guy; some of us even root for him to win.
