When I think about Sacramentio, I think about San Antonio.
For many years, San Antonio and their fans would get heartbroken in the playoffs, many times by the Lakers.
We would be insulted by the Lakers and by Phil Jackson.
Deep down, every year, Spurs fans would grimmace when the playoffs would begin. We knew something would happen. The over-the back pass by Rod Strickland against Portland. The 0.4 against the Lakers.
Way too many to recall.
Finally, after we acquired Tim Duncan, we were able to get over the hump. We could savor ultimate victory--NBA Championship.
Still, even after 3 NBA titles, most Spurs fans would tell you that we felt little respect from the media. It seems like if LA was not in the playoffs, people would deride us as being "boring."
Spurs and their fans had to learn to believe in themselves and to get respect from within--not to expect to get it from opposing teams or coaches or the media.
We got used to being ridiculed by Laker fans--we are called so many names by the Lakers, it has become comical. we are being called hicks. We are called spicks (slang for Hispanic). They call us "wetbacks." You name it--Lakers have called us the most perverted names.
When Phil Jackson made the comment about our championship in 1999 (said it should have an asterick because it was a shortened season due to the strike), Laker fans loved it. To this day, they refer to our championship as the asterick title.
I see a lot of resemblance between what we have been through--and still go through, and the Kings. From the heartache, to the lack of respect, to the disgusting ridicule heaped by the Lakers and their fans.
This is just a game. It feels nice to win. But the world is a much bigger place. The game gives us a chance to get our minds off of the problems of the world. And as much as it hurts to lose in the playoffs, after all, its just a game.
I know the children in Sacramento loves the Kings the same way the kids in San Antonio loves the Spurs.
What I like about the Spurs is the character of the squad. Pop does a really good job working with the players--he loves to talk basketball and doesn't mind praising the opponent. Right now, he is sky high about the Kings. So is Duncan and Manu.
With that having been said, Sacramento, I am going to sleep. It is 1:24 a.m. in San Antonio. I couldn't sleep and decided to do some reading before going to bed.
I'll be watching the game Friday night just like you will. I have already braced myself for a loss--Arco is sucha great place for the Kings. You have so much to be proud of--the way you help the Kings is textbook example of how passion from your fan base can lift an athlete to soaring heights.
I have come to enjoy reading your newspaper and reading your forum.
For many years, San Antonio and their fans would get heartbroken in the playoffs, many times by the Lakers.
We would be insulted by the Lakers and by Phil Jackson.
Deep down, every year, Spurs fans would grimmace when the playoffs would begin. We knew something would happen. The over-the back pass by Rod Strickland against Portland. The 0.4 against the Lakers.
Way too many to recall.
Finally, after we acquired Tim Duncan, we were able to get over the hump. We could savor ultimate victory--NBA Championship.
Still, even after 3 NBA titles, most Spurs fans would tell you that we felt little respect from the media. It seems like if LA was not in the playoffs, people would deride us as being "boring."
Spurs and their fans had to learn to believe in themselves and to get respect from within--not to expect to get it from opposing teams or coaches or the media.
We got used to being ridiculed by Laker fans--we are called so many names by the Lakers, it has become comical. we are being called hicks. We are called spicks (slang for Hispanic). They call us "wetbacks." You name it--Lakers have called us the most perverted names.
When Phil Jackson made the comment about our championship in 1999 (said it should have an asterick because it was a shortened season due to the strike), Laker fans loved it. To this day, they refer to our championship as the asterick title.
I see a lot of resemblance between what we have been through--and still go through, and the Kings. From the heartache, to the lack of respect, to the disgusting ridicule heaped by the Lakers and their fans.
This is just a game. It feels nice to win. But the world is a much bigger place. The game gives us a chance to get our minds off of the problems of the world. And as much as it hurts to lose in the playoffs, after all, its just a game.
I know the children in Sacramento loves the Kings the same way the kids in San Antonio loves the Spurs.
What I like about the Spurs is the character of the squad. Pop does a really good job working with the players--he loves to talk basketball and doesn't mind praising the opponent. Right now, he is sky high about the Kings. So is Duncan and Manu.
With that having been said, Sacramento, I am going to sleep. It is 1:24 a.m. in San Antonio. I couldn't sleep and decided to do some reading before going to bed.
I'll be watching the game Friday night just like you will. I have already braced myself for a loss--Arco is sucha great place for the Kings. You have so much to be proud of--the way you help the Kings is textbook example of how passion from your fan base can lift an athlete to soaring heights.
I have come to enjoy reading your newspaper and reading your forum.
