I've stated several times during the lifetime of this site that I really believe the people over at ESPN are way too quick to jump on perceived "guarantees" by athletes and coaches. Plaxico Burress did not actually guarantee a win against the Patriots in Super Bowl 42. Jameer Nelson did not guarantee a win over the Celtics earlier this year. Stating that you think you can win or that you expect to win is not a guarantee. You're supposed to believe that. Members of the media put words in the mouths of athletes/coaches on the guarantee issue far more than any other issue in all of sports.
However, what Patrick Ewing said on Friday WAS, in fact, a guarantee. There is no gray area. First, he said a bunch of normal coach stuff about how if the Magic play together and play with their hearts they will win. No problem for me there. However, he followed it up by saying, "Even though I’m not playing, I’m guaranteeing a win." That's it right there! The kiss of death! And, the worst part is, it didn't even come from someone who will be playing in the game.
History was already stacked against the Magic. Now, their assistant coach, who has never followed through on a guarantee in his life (really, never. He guaranteed the Knicks would win the championship basically every other year. The details are here and here) has guaranteed a win on the road over a team that has not only never lost a game 7 at home, but has also never lost a series (like this one) in which they had a 3-2 lead.
Even Doc Rivers, who rarely says a bad word about anybody, couldn't help making light of Ewing's comments:
(huge grin)
"Patrick Ewing did that? We feel great. We feel great about that. I've been on those Knicks teams where he had some predictions. But you know what I've always said about predictions, what else are you going to say? Are you going to say no? But the Patrick prediction makes me feel better"
Patrick, I've got some advice for you. Maybe instead of spending your time on the radio making life more difficult for your team, you should stop stealing their money and actually spend some time teaching Dwight Howard how to score. He knows nothing. He has no hook, he has no face up jumper, and he clearly has no idea how to use his feet in the post. His footwork is atrocious. In fact, I can say with 100% certainty that I would choose Al Jefferson (thank you Clifford Ray) over him if my life depended on an offensive possession ending in a bucket. What exactly have the two of you been doing? Every one's asking, but nobody knows.
One more thing, Patrick. Don't stand on the tracks when a train's coming through. (please watch below, it makes me want to be a kid all over again)
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