What is ‘toughness’?

The above clip perfectly represents an ongoing debate I’ve been having with readers about ‘toughness.’  The game is over, the Rockets have won, and Charles Barkley flagrantly fouls our team’s superstar player.  Vernon Maxwell angrily retaliates earning his second straight ejection.

Presented above are the facts.  Now what were the consequences?  Some would argue that Maxwell’s actions were ‘dumb’ and immature, as he was now closing in on risk for suspension, an outcome that would severely hurt his team. Others might argue that ‘Mad Max’ sent a message: that his team would not be roughed up and victimized by dirty play.

I subscribe to the latter view and have posited that line of reasoning for the past two seasons.  I love this team.  From the entirety of the 2009-2010 campaign to the second half of last year, I’ve cherished every second of watching this squad. They fight, they hustle, and they never give up.  But one thing that’s driven me absolutely crazy is that they never have each other’s backs.  Anytime one of them suffers a hard foul or a cheap shot, they all rush to help him up, but not a single one gets in the opponent’s face to send a message; not a single one retaliates.

Some of you argue that ‘toughness’ is shown by one’s play.  I don’t dispute that.  But you’re ignoring the psychological aspect of the game.  You can play as hard as you want, compete to the last minute, but if you don’t stand up for yourself, if you back down from a confrontation, you will be preyed upon.

I don’t advocate cheap shots of the Andrew Bynum variety.  That has no place in the game.  But for once, for the first time since Ron Artest, Juwan Howard, Tracy McGrady, and Rafer Alston left, I’d like to see someone on this team get in someone’s face when a wrong has been done.

This entry was posted in essays. Bookmark the permalink. Comments are closed, but you can leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

  •  
  •  

  •  
  • All-time Keepers

    A collection of our best from over the years.
  •  
  • Archives

    • 2012 (398)
    • 2011 (428)
    • 2010 (461)
    • 2009 (49)
  • Categories

  •