Lessons from the NBA Finals
Watching post-game conferences makes me understand why Pop is so (in)famously taciturn at the podium. These questions usually break down into three types: rumor-based, borderline rude, and stupid. Rumor-based questions revolve around some unsubstantiated story around the league, and involve asking the person who is most affected and least likely to respond. Case in point – Lebron James, who was asked Lebron about Carmelo joining the Heat, even when it’s crystal clear that this is not something Lebron would declare in a post-game conference, let alone think about after a historic ass-whoopping. Border-line rude questions involve a reporter completely ignoring the acceptable response to a situation to inject a bit of unnecessary emotional tension. We saw Kawhi Leonard field a question about whether he will feel extra pressure to live up to expectations after having won the MVP. How about giving the man some space, to soak in the pure joy of the moment? And stupid questions? I guess I was going classify a new category, but now realize both rumor-based and borderline rude questions fall under the stupid question umbrella. I wish players would follow Pop’s example and exercise their right to remain silent at inappropriate questions.
Sports are at their best when they become greater than their athletic entertainment value. I got a lot out of this Finals viewership experience through the catharsis of the Spurs, but I also realized they’re a great parable for living life with excellence. Timmy teaches us about fundamentals and longevity. Manu and Patty teaches us about acting with fire and brio. Boris teaches us about unselfishness. Pop teaches us about tough love and faith (in the system). The Spurs as a whole teach us about humility, persistence, and recovery from loss. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives. Let’s use our Game 6s to push us onward, reminding us that nothing can ever be taken for granted.














