Of Guts, Hearts and Ankles

Posted by D. Chris Estey on April 18, 2009

“No, maybe I can’t win, maybe the only thing I can do is just take everything he’s got. But to beat me, he’s gonna have to kill me, and to kill me, he’s gonna have to have the heart to stand in front of me …” – Rocky Balboa in Rocky IV

Throughout the eras of professional basketball we have been privileged to witness a handful of players who seem to possess a particularly ruthless competitive mentality. I don’t believe that this mentality, this “divine restlessness” if you will, is something that can be taught or trained. It is a gift that is ingrained into a person’s brain from birth.

Some people simply cannot concede themselves to defeat and get wretchedly sick at the thought of losing. A few names come to mind on this; Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, etc.

Time and time again we have watched our beloved D-Will take over the show at critical points in the game. We see a lead slipping away and D-Will steps in, bodies up, drives hard to the basket, draws fouls, and plows through players like Andrew Bynum (I think that there was a certain message he was trying to convey there). Sometimes it’s enough and sometimes it’s not. The thing that is driving me absolutely CRAZY right now is how many times; while I’m watching him lay it all out on the floor, the rest of the team is laying down and folding.

Deron Williams is literally D-Iron-Will of this team. He is the beating heart that keeps these guys together. I think that anyone can see that he has that ruthless, insatiable, competitive desire in him. He is one of the most dynamic players in the league right now and I truly believe he has the heart of a champion.

When you watch him play, they could be trailing by 35 points and in his eyes there is that look that tells you that he still believes that they can win. But more times than not he is the only player out there who actually plays even harder when they are in trouble. The fundamental problem here is that he can’t do it all himself.

I’m going to put all numbers, statistics and strategies aside. If these guys are going to stand a chance against the Lakers in this series they HAVE to feed off of each others energy!! They have to believe that they can win; even if they are trailing, even if they are on the road. When they fall behind that is when they should play out of their minds. None of them play 48 minutes in a game. They will get a chance to rest so they should never take a single play off.

I hope that D-Will reads our rants. So if you are reading this Deron I have a message for you. You are my friggin’ hero. But I’m begging you … Get mad at these guys!! When it’s crunch time, get vocal, get emotional and push these guys to play at your level! You set a great example but these guys could use someone to jolt them, push them, drive them. And you are the General out there so let’s see it!

Deron, I know you have the gut and the heart to stand in front of and plow through Kobe and this Lakers team so my question is, does Kobe “have the heart to stand in front of you.” That is if you don’t break his ankles. Again.

4 Comments

jessielou on April 18, 2009 said:

Brilliant. DWill is amazing. GO JAZZ!

Linda McFarland on April 19, 2009 said:

I think that is the thoughts of almost all the bloggers. I am here with 5 minutes to game time and if I coulkd reach through the TV and kill the anouncers I would!!! I pray we make them all look silly at the end!!!!

JayD on April 19, 2009 said:

Yes , I say that D-Will will need the heart of all the team to pull this off .
Linda , I know what you mean , it seams that the only team that was playing was the Lakers . Most of the comments had to do with them . I hope that we win this sereis and shock the world .
Go Jazz , I beleive in you .!!!!
Jay

Boondock Saint on April 20, 2009 said:

Rock on Chris. Good stuff and I think you are absolutely right. D-Will drives this team, he is their life blood and plays with a passion that I love to see in any player. Here’s hoping Memo can be back for game 2.

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