Michael Finley

Better days would soon be ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, with the closely-approaching spring of 2001 presenting the opportunity at an ultimately-convincing defense of their NBA championship. Before that day could arrive, though, those in the purple-and-gold found themselves head-to-head with an All-Star forward who had zero plans of being defended. Strongly encouraged against the idea of driving — by both the ever-versatile Rick Fox and Michael Penberthy’s potential help — Michael Finley studies the scene from the 3-point arc, taking his first attempt at creating separation through a subtle, stepback hesitation step. Discovering just enough of a crevice after Fox bites, the Dallas Mavericks star powers through the lane with a jump-stop that offers a trampoline-like effect before soaring through the air for a powerful tomahawk facial over Mark Madsen’s challenge. Dallas, despite both a feisty effort and three 20-point scorers, ultimately fell short of victory on February 20, 2001. A memorable contributor on the night nonetheless, Finley, helping welcome his head coach back from a lengthy absence, was predictably versatile with 22 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two trifectas.