With the score tied up and just a second remaining in the fourth and final quarter, a turn-around jump shot released from the hands of Monta Ellis made its way through the rim at Phoenix Arizona’s US Airways Center. The hard-earned bucket was scored over Grant Hill, a much taller defender, and would end up being the game’s last field goal. Conventionally speaking, Monta’s jumper was the difference in the game. Conventionally speaking.
After the game, Suns head coach Alvin Gentry decided not to speak so conventionally. According to Gentry, the contest was decided approximately 37 minutes and 59 seconds before Monta’s aforementioned score… back when his Suns were walking through the first [bleep]ing 10 minutes of the game. Excuse me, I’m sorry…
This video picks up exactly where the one above leaves off, providing another minute and 35 seconds of rage for those of you who didn’t get enough. There was no further cursing, but the podium did get fist pounded and a piece of paper ended up on the floor.
Getting back to Monta’s shot, I feel like a moron for failing to include it in this morning’s Starting Lineup. I’ll be honest with you… I never even saw it until later this afternoon. I didn’t see any of the game, and I guess I missed the highlights, too. Definitely an oversight on my part, and a pretty blatant one seeing as Monta has been money in the clutch this week. In addition to last night’s game-winner, he hit a huge shot that put the Dubs up three with about a minute to go in Monday’s 104-97 win over the Clippers.
To step up in crunch time is one thing, but to do it for a team that’s been so snakebitten this season… it must feel almost as if the pressure has been doubled.
Good thing there’s no amount of pressure that can phase one Monta Ellis. He’s pure ice water.
