Memory Lane

Memory Lane will be a new feature this year (Season Dos) here on 8p9s. Basically, we’re just going to run some old moments of triumph, comedy and heartbreak from years ago.

For those of us who have been on the Pacers ship for some time like me (going back to Chuck Person) and Tim (going back to when mastadons and sabertooth tigers roamed the Midwest), this will hopefully provide some nice nostalgia. For others who may be younger or have joined Pacer Nation more recently, this will hopefully provide some nice edu-ma-cation. We learn ya good here at 8 Points, 9 Seconds, I always say.

Today, you get a double feature.

First comes a depressing moment in which MJ at his absolute apex — both literally in terms of his career arc and figuratively in terms of he jumps really high — blocks a Reggie Miller layup in most dramatic fashion, single-handedly swatting it away, then somehow saving it from going out of bounds and in the process sealing a Bulls win. This was merely a regular season game in 1992 so it’s not exactly a Tayshaun-blocking-Reggie-level kick to the groin, but it is still ouchy even 19 years later. I had so much resentment for how good that Jordan guy was. Still do when I think about 1998 in particular. (I mean, how did that Game 7 lead slip away? Get a rebound guys.)

(hat tip to Trey Kerby of the somehow-improved-this-year Basketball Jones)

The second item for this inaugural Memory Lane is much better. I mean, just look at the back of Rik’s hair.

Classic Smits. (via Fat Shawn Kemp)

Best part? The Chief totally photo-bombing Rik’s layup.