By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports, Editor
The referees got the call right! In a WNBA game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, a flagrant foul was called against Angel Reese whose erstwhile attempted block of a layup by rival rookie sensation Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has again created animus and controversy. Coming on the heels of a flagrant one non-call away from play by Chenndra Carter against Caitlin Clark is indicative of a lingering problem for the league. Blocking a shot of an elevated ball by simply raising your arms with feet remaining on floor is poor technique when attempting to deflect the ball skyrocketing toward a 10 foot high goal, then egregiously raking your arm against the opponent’s head. It is a feeble shot block attempt and certainly poor technique. However, it did occur during a play on ball and rightfully called a flagrant one: 2 free throws and possession of ball. The onus is on the officials to get the call right. The players and coaches will adjust and the underlying racial undertones will dissipate. Just play ball the old fashioned way- hard but fair.
Another strange phenomena has emerged during NBA and NHL playoffs. The Celtics and Panthers both suffered devastating losses after dominating the series, winning the first 3 games. Some speculate that the leagues want to see the series extended for television/financial reasons, while purists believe the teams simply suffer a mental letdown, unable to sustain the caliber of play needed to sweep the series. Additionally, the prideful, talented opponents refuse to be swept at home in front of their rabid fans. Last night the Celtics quelled any assumption that the Mavericks could possibly make a series of it if they could win game 5. Didn’t happen! The Celtics, led by MVP Jalen Brown and Perennial all-star Jason Tatum, dominated the Mavericks 106-86, clinching their 18th NBA championship while simultaneously breaking the tie with the Lakers for the most NBA titles 18-17. The Western Conference may have more really great teams, but the Eastern Conference Celtics are the best in 2024. Let’s hope the Florida Panthers rebound from their 8-1 4th game blowout delivered by the Edmonton Oilers. That game has an 8:00pm start time Tuesday in Sunrise. Go Cats!
Coco Gauff, 20, needs to win a major tournament soon if she is to reach the next level in her career. A doubles victory simply won’t suffice. I failed in last week’s column to acknowledge the loss of the great Jerry West, the NBA champion both as a player and executive with the Los Angeles Lakers. The West Virginia native, whose silhouette symbolizes the NBA’s image, died peacefully at his California residence surrounded by family.
Finally, the Celtics’ Peyton Pritchard
beyond the half court moon shot, as tantalizing as it was, should have been nullified because of traveling, but who cares?