The Dagger

(Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

The Suns had it working. The high side moving pick and roll was working to perfection and not being called. They were up five points with 40 ticks left on the clock. But the new and improved Lakers squad of the 2006 Playoffs weren't done yet. Smush knocks down a trey. Then pokes away a steal, followed by Devean George's excellent decision to give the ball up and get the hell outta the way, and Kobe's floater/layup/finger roll thing sends us to OT baby.

Of course, at this point I have gone through a series of emotions for the past couple of minutes. Anger, disappointment, a tinge of hope, anxiety, excitement, then pure xtacee as I, watching the game solo, proceed to chest bumping waitresses and ripping off jerseys as I flex purple and gold.

Then comes OT. 98-97. We know the inbound pass is going to the FVP (fake valuable player), Steve Nash. Luke has him tied up, refs don't blow the call, it's a jump ball. Okay, good shape Luke has to be able to out jump Nash. We get the tip and even better no passes necessary, the ball goes to Bean, Bean Bryant. Dribbles to the nearside, elevates......sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss (that would be the sound of air coming out of the Phoenix Suns.....