Jalen Rose, former NBA player turned analyst, recently shared a captivating and amusing story on his podcast about a lighthearted yet audacious act from his playing days. In a nostalgic reflection, Rose recounted an incident involving the legendary Patrick Ewing and a peculiar theft that took place in the late ’90s.
“They came to Indiana, we just got finished beating them on our home floor…I just so happened to go into the airport, I walk in and I see a silver chest with blue and a sticker that says Patrick Ewing. So then the Detroit Instincts came out.”
“I was like, ‘I’m getting this.’ I two-wayed my homeboy. Of course, he popped the trunk. He’s my Detroit homeboy. He’s down since day one. He’s down like four flat tires. He just popped the trunk, I threw it in the car, and we kept it for years.”
“And why would Patrick Ewing be carrying a TV on the road? So he could watch film. So hopefully I cost him some preparation time. Patrick Ewing, thank you for the TV, I really appreciate that.”
Thank you for the TV! @CoachEwing33 pic.twitter.com/c6A4iTzMb6
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) November 28, 2023
The tale unfolded after a game between Rose’s Indiana Pacers and Ewing’s New York Knicks. Having lost to the Pacers at Madison Square Garden, Ewing and Rose found themselves at the airport, both teams preparing to depart for away games. Rose stumbled upon a silver chest with a blue hue, adorned with a sticker bearing Ewing’s name. Without hesitation, Rose, guided by what he dubbed his “Detroit instincts,” decided to investigate further.
To his surprise, the chest contained a TV with a VCR attached—a prized possession in an era when VHS tapes were still prevalent. Seizing the opportunity, Rose, feeling mischievous, glanced around, checked for witnesses, and, with a grin, decided to liberate Ewing’s unique travel entertainment system.
Rose humorously described his thought process, noting that while VHS tapes and VCRs might be outdated, the TV with Ewing’s name on it was too enticing to pass up. The former NBA player, true to his Detroit roots, decided to “acquire” the TV. With the assistance of a loyal “Detroit homeboy,” Rose promptly stowed Ewing’s personalized TV in the trunk of his car.
For years, Rose unabashedly displayed the “trophy” in his home, with the stolen TV becoming a conversation starter for friends and family who visited. The story, delivered with Rose’s trademark charisma, adds another chapter to the colorful anecdotes that have become a staple of his podcast.
This entertaining revelation provides a humorous glimpse into the camaraderie and off-court antics that often accompany professional athletes, showing a side of the game that goes beyond the final buzzer.
Rivalry Between The Pacers And Knicks
The rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks in the late ’90s was a heated and intense chapter in NBA history. Fueled by competitive matchups and playoff showdowns, these two teams clashed both on and off the court, creating a memorable and sometimes contentious rivalry.
The battles between the Pacers, led by players like Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose, and the Knicks, featuring stars such as Patrick Ewing, took place in the Eastern Conference, adding an extra layer of significance. The physicality and high stakes of these matchups intensified the competition, making their encounters a focal point for NBA fans during that era.
One of the defining moments of this rivalry occurred during the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals, where the Pacers and Knicks faced off in a seven-game series. The back-and-forth contests, highlighted by Reggie Miller’s iconic performance in Game 5, further fueled the animosity between the two teams.
While the rivalry may not have the same prominence today, the battles between the Pacers and Knicks left an indelible mark on NBA history, showcasing the intensity and passion that defined the era’s basketball landscape. The matchups between these teams were not only a test of skill but also a testament to the fierce competitiveness that characterized the NBA in the ’90s.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.