Daily Craig: Win or stay home

TNT had it wrong as they titled the seventh game of the West Final of the NBA as "Win or Go Home."  The WARRIORS WERE ALREADY HOME but I know how TV likes flashy titles. I don't have a strong feeling one way or the other as we finally reach the NBA FINALS. The series starts Thursday in Oakland. Cleveland is the other team and in case you missed it last year, it's the same two again. I can't help but remember the classic "never underestimate the heart of a champion.” That was said after the Rockets came from 3-1 down in the Western final to win their second straight championship.

The Warriors were also down 3-1. THE THUNDER became the SUNS. In 1997 the Rockets were in the playoffs against Utah. TBS was carrying the game in Salt Lake City and I had just finished doing my thing on the court when I saw a TBS reporter take her video crew to the top row of the bleachers in one of the end zones of the court. I then heard her say "As Hakeem Olajuwon once said, NEVER UNDERESTIMATE the heart of a champion".

I WAITED until they broke down their light kit and hauled all the stuff to court side. I then (very quietly) looked at the reporter and said "Rudy T. said that." I suppose I could have yelled that while they were still way up there in the stands, but it was more fun not to do that. I am so mean.