Old-timers say rivalries in football, like Cowboys vs. Redskins, just aren't the same anymore because the players don't really hate each other. Because of free agency, big money, etc., etc., all these guys seem to be friends instead of enemies.
Same could be said, it seems, for the Mavs and Warriors. You'd think there'd be a pretty good dislike for one another. And at Wednesday morning's shootaround, a TV reporter was trying to rile up Jason Terry by asking him if he took offense to G'State point guard Baron Davis calling the Mavs soft after the first meeting in November.
Terry didn't bite, saying that Baron can say what he wants, that it's not about who talks the loudest or calls who the worst names, but rather who produces on the court.
As Terry's answering the question, the Warriors enter the AAC court for their shootaround. Coach Don Nelson interrupts the interview to give Terry a hug. Then Stephen Jackson begins a playful chant directed at Terry of "Terry-aki." And as soon as Terry finishes the interview, he heads toward Baron, cheerfully says, "What up G?" and the two embraced.
Oh well. Fans might want rival players to hate each other all the time, but I guarantee there will be no hugging on the court. Of course, Magic and Isiah used to kiss...
-- Jeff Caplan
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