Latrell Sprewell

Holding the power and energy of Madison Square Garden in his palms, Latrell Sprewell sprinted the floor in Game Five of the 1999 NBA Finals, uniquely presented with a rare choice in how he wanted to electrify the arena. Frozen in time on a two-on-one fast break, Sprewell could sense both the opportunity at an alley-oop lob to his 6-foot-11 teammate, or something from his own expansive repertoire. On a June 25, 1999 night in which the four-time All-Star could famously do few wrongs, Sprewell called upon himself, channeling a trademark, determined scowl before elevating into a ferocious flush over Jaren Jackson. Preserving the highest-scoring postseason game of his decorated career for its most critical environment, Sprewell arguably matched the series’ Most Valuable Player play-for-play in the closeout loss. For each San Antonio Spurs run, Sprewell supplied the resuscitation, scoring 14 consecutive points between the third and fourth quarters, and 25 over the second half’s entirety. Producing a more-impressive-than-it-sounds performance, given both the slowed pace and defensive rules, Sprewell’s nearly-heroic final tally included 35 points (on 13-of-27 shooting), 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer.

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