The guy is simply from another planet, one populated by slim, trim 60+ year-olds who can:
- Stop on a dime and drill a legitimate left-handed jump shot.
- Bank in shots from either wing, far beyond Tim Duncan’s range.
- Get to the hoop for a lay up, off a pick or without if the defender tries in vain to “take away” (good luck) his outside shot, which is only accurate about 65% of the time.
- Go right if you overplay his left-hand.
- Find the open man if you double-team him.
- Run all day.
- Rebound over guys taller than he.
- Steal any pass which is not perfect.
- Cheat on defense and still recover in time to thwart his man’s fantasy of a clean look.
Did I mention that his competitiveness is about 150 on a scale where normal is 100! If this sounds like Steve is a complete package, then the words are accurate.
For any team to beat Steve and his bit players is a monumental task. He can be down 6-2 in an
8-basket game, a deficit created in part by his surprising decision to pass instead of shoot, and decide to assert himself — which, with a reasonable contribution from his teammates defensively, often leads to an 8-6 triumph for Steve.
Oh yes, I am thoroughly sick of “guarding” Steve, of chasing him and yelling for defensive help.