Pritchard's Shot: Doc's Gut Punch Reaction - A Defining Moment in NBA History
The 1987 NBA Finals. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Game 4. The score tied at 102 with seconds left on the clock. This was the moment. The moment that cemented itself in NBA lore, a moment that would forever be known as "Pritchard's Shot."
For those who witnessed it live, it was a gut-wrenching, soul-crushing experience. For those who only saw the replay, it was a lesson in the fragility of victory and the power of a single, unexpected play.
The Setup:
The Lakers were up 3-0 in the series. The Celtics, down but not out, were desperately trying to extend the series and keep their championship hopes alive. With the clock ticking down, the Celtics' star, Larry Bird, found himself double-teamed. The ball was then passed to the seemingly unassuming Dennis "The Worm" Rodman. Rodman, known more for his rebounding than his offensive prowess, saw an open teammate - a young rookie named Gerald Henderson. Henderson was not exactly a reliable scorer, but in that moment, he was the only option. Rodman passed the ball, Henderson received it, and as quickly as he could, passed it back to Rodman. The ball was then passed to a wide-open, unguarded "The Worm," who missed the shot.
The Moment:
But here's where the magic, or perhaps, the heartbreak, began. The rebound was secured by the Lakers' A.C. Green, who immediately attempted to pass the ball out. This was where "The Worm", seemingly possessed by an unseen force, stepped in front of Green and stole the ball. With the clock dwindling, Rodman, surrounded by Lakers, saw an open teammate – the seemingly unassuming rookie, "The Worm," found himself wide-open. With the clock dwindling, he passed the ball to a wide-open "The Worm," who looked to be a lost cause at this point.
The Play:
"The Worm" immediately shot the ball, sending it towards the basket. The ball seemed to hang in the air forever, spinning and spinning, before finally dropping through the net, sending the Boston Garden into a frenzy. The Celtics had pulled off the improbable, tying the game with only seconds left on the clock.
The Reaction:
The reaction was a mix of disbelief and elation. The Celtics players were ecstatic, their joy a stark contrast to the Lakers' stunned expressions. The Lakers' coach, Pat Riley, who had been watching the game with a stoic expression throughout, looked like he had been punched in the gut. His eyes widened in disbelief, his face contorted in frustration. The image of Riley's reaction became iconic, capturing the sheer shock and disappointment of the Lakers at that moment.
The Aftermath:
The Lakers would go on to win that game, but the Celtics managed to win the next two, forcing a Game 7. Unfortunately, for the Celtics, the Lakers proved to be too strong and eventually took the championship.
Pritchard's Shot became a defining moment in NBA history. It showcased the unpredictability of basketball, the importance of seizing opportunities, and the enduring power of the human spirit. It also gave us a glimpse into the emotions of the game, capturing the raw passion and heartbreak that is an integral part of sports.
In the annals of NBA history, "Pritchard's Shot" will always be remembered - not just for its unexpectedness but for the gut punch reaction it elicited from Pat Riley, a reaction that mirrored the emotions of millions of fans.