Standing next to Nate Robinson, the Boston Celtics reserve guard, it is hard to believe he is an NBA player. In shoes, Robinson might be 175 centimetres. For those more familiar with feet and inches, that converts to a fraction over 5ft 8ins - big if you happen to be a jockey, anything but big for a major league basketball player.
So here it is, with the NBA finals in the balance, and Robinson has quickly become one of the best subplots of the series. Earlier this season, after having being banished to the bench by Mike D'Antoni, the coach of the New York Knicks, Robinson was the forgotten man in the NBA.
"In that sort of situation, you can get frustrated in life but I didn't allow myself to be negative. I always think that the sky is the limit for me," says Robinson. Career resurgence has come courtesy of the Celtics, albeit long after he joined the club. Robinson has become the energy guy for his team. With the Celtics faltering in Game 6 of the play-offs against the Orlando Magic, Robinson's scoring heroics were the measure of difference in the victory.
In the finals, Robinson has once again been the spark plug. Never afraid to shoot, the short guard has made several three-pointers that have inspired his teammates and the Boston faithful. "After five years in the league, I never imagined that I would be a Celtic, playing in June," he says. "The crowd, the intensity, I would not trade this experience for anything. I dreamt about this moment but it was never like this. Playing with all these great players like [Kevin] Garnett, [Ray] Allen, [Paul] Pierce and Rasheed [Wallace], this is the highlight of my career." On the court, Robinson demonstrates a constant joy. "I play with love and passion. I think of things as though I am on the playground with my friends. When I am 50, I will still be playing. My kids will be around 30 then, but I will still beat them on the court. "I love basketball. I am just happy to be here now." @Email:sports@thenational.ae
Players of the week
Kobe Bryant, Lakers: has been virtually unstoppable, able to impose his will upon the vaunted Celtics defence. Scored 29 in Game 3 and 33 in Game 4.
Derek Fischer, Lakers: has obviously found a fountain of youth. In Game 2, made every key basket to put the Lakers ahead, finishing with 16 points.
Nate Robinson, Celtics: continues to provide instant offence, notching 12 points in Game 4, including two key three-pointers in the second quarter. ? Kevin Garnett, Celtics (above): showed glimpses of his better days in Game 3, finishing with 25 points.
Glen Davis, Celtics: kept his team in Games 3 and 4 with rebounds and put-backs, and had 18 points in Game 4.
Duds of the week
Ray Allen, Celtics: just days after setting a record for the most three-pointers, he missed all 13 shots he took in Game 3. ? Three-point shooters, both teams: in Game 3, the Lakers went two of 15 and the Celtics went four of 18.
The referees: they have struggled throughout the finals. While neither team has really benefited, it has taken the flow out of the games.
