Sunday, June 8, 2008

"0" the Hero


(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)


It was a game of destiny. You could feel something special about to happen after the Leon Powe half time special. It was a very touching piece and I hope to have the segment up on the site soon.

I've spent the last 2 years saying Leon will shine if he's given an opportunity, and he shined like no other on the biggest stage Sunday night. I know it's just one game but it was a pretty big game and a pretty amazing performance. I don't think I have to give a full summary of the game because most of you watched it yourselves.

Watching Leon score 21 points in 14 minutes in an NBA Championship game validated everything I've been saying for the last couple years. Again, I know it's just one game but he showed that he has the tools to be a great player in this league for many years. Some of you might wonder what the difference was between this game and the games Leon isn't scoring 21 points in 14 minutes. Well I'll tell you the difference... Leon actually got some playing time and his teammates decided to make a point of getting him the ball. Leon has great post moves and knows how to use his body to draw contact. So even when Powe isn't hitting his shots he's still going to draw a lot of fouls. I wish the Celtics would set up plays for Leon more often. You all saw the result of what happens when they do. Even if Doc Rivers isn't giving Leon a lot of minutes or touches, Powe still finds a way to make the most of his time on the court. You can never say Leon isn't productive with his playing time.

I had a few people recommend I don't type anything and just put up a picture of a middle finger for all the people that thought Leon shouldn't be playing in this series. I though that would be inappropriate to do even though it was a funny idea.

I gotta say, when Leon was at the free throw line in the 4th quarter and the crowd was cheering "Leon Powe! Leon Powe! Leon Powe!" I had chills. I've been watching Leon since he was a basketball player in high school and I've followed his career since then. When the crowed began chanting his name I started to think back to all the times when I'd get excited because Leon was on the floor for the last 30 seconds of a blow out game in the regular season. Or I was thinking back to all the times where people would argue that Leon should be playing in the D-League. That was if they even knew who Leon was, which most didn't. It was so surreal to hear the Boston Celtics fans chanting Leon's name in the 4th quarter of an NBA Championship game. There isn't a much higher praise in basketball than having your name chanted throughout the rafters in Boston. Leon Powe once a 12th man, now a piece of history.

Some might think game 2 will be the climax of Leon's career. It could be but I think there will be plenty of great moments to come. In fact if the Celtics continue to give Leon the ball in this series he could continue to make contributions like he did in game 2.

Side note: Leon should be on the USA Olympic team instead of Lamar Odom. It's too late for that too happen but you all know what I mean.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Leon is my new Hero! What a freaking game!

Anonymous said...

If this doesn't prove that Leon should be getting playing time then I don't know what will

Anonymous said...

I have been a huge Leon fan all season, proudly sporting my Powe shirt for every game. I am so glad that the rest of the world had a chance to witness his quiet determination. He's a great player and a great person! Yay for Leon!!!

Anonymous said...

Jim from Green Bandwagon checking in. Just wanted to recognize how awesome Leon Powe was last night. I feel vindicated because I've written a few posts about Powe's inexplicable disappearance in the post season. You must feel fantastic given the nature of your entire blog. Great win and huge boost from Powe. Keep up the great work.

Unknown said...

powend!

Doc should've played him in the 4th.

Anonymous said...

Leon took Odom out of the game. I'd rather have Leon over Odom as PF any day of the week.

Rockhouse Jones said...

I've been a fan since he went from Oakland Tech to Cal. While my dream of him having similar success and praise as LeBron won't turn into reality (they played AAU ball together), I'm glad he's getting the recognition he deserves.

May this only be the beginning...

Gyu said...

I was looking the game in Hungary, and I can tell you, that the hungarian commentators were not able to believe when Leon made the fast transition dunk in the 4th quarter... I always liked Leon, he is a smart big guy. C's need such performances until wining number 17 :)

Suldog said...

the team, but just now found your site (via CelticsbLog)

(Aside: Black Sabbath fan, too? Zero The Hero?)

Anyway, wrote something over at my place you might like. Stop over, if you have time.

Suldog said...

Sorry. For some reason, the beginning of my comment got cut off. It should have read: "I've been a fan of Leon's ever since he joined the team."

Anonymous said...

Green Bandwagon,

First, you do a great job with your blog. Second,Your a Celtics fan so you should feel great like. Who cares about the past. As long as we're all on the Leon bandwagon from this point on.

Anonymous said...

GYU,

Awesome to know there's people watching these games in Hungry. Also good to know there are some Leon Powe fans there as well.

Anonymous said...

SulDog,

I checked out your blog, great stuff! Glad to see your showing Leon some love. Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Tell u frankly this is my first post on the web..
But i can't help my self praising this very humble man.
His rise (as i already categorize him among the unforgettable stars of this game)seems to be dramatic..
He deserves to have an attention..(pls Doc Rivers)..
He really have a place...
His not only awesome... I see a deeply affectionate person in him...
Keep up the Good work Powe...
People of the Philippines praises you....
More power....

Viagra said...

Leon is an amazing player!