Shaq's tech problems; OKC with a double flop


Save Story
Leer en español

Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.

SALT LAKE CITY — You never really know what to expect when watching TNT's Inside the NBA, especially with Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley on set.

Last week, we saw Shaq running around the set in his underwear for no apparent reason. On Tuesday, Barkley was attempting to answer a question when Shaq's cellphone started ringing on live TV. Shaq quickly tosses his phone off set, hoping to avoid an awkward situation, but it only gets worse.

Barkley attempts to resume his answer, but is interrupted several times because of technical difficulties with Shaq's microphone. It is pretty entertaining to watch. However, it's a television nightmare at its finest.

OKC pulls off the double flop

Flopping in the NBA is one of the most frustrating things to watch. Not only does it take away from the game, but it drives opposing teams and its fans crazy. Sure, some could argue that flopping is just trying to get a competitive advantage in the game, but it needs to go away.

#poll

However, synchronized flopping appears to be art, and OKC mastered it on Wednesday night, with none other than Derek Fisher and Kevin Martin. Houston Rockets center Omer Asik drove to the basket before being confronted by Fisher and Martin, who hoped to take a charge. Asik quickly dishes out to Patrick Beverley behind the arc, but runs into Fisher and Martin.

The two players drop to the floor in what appears to be an orchestrated event. If it was synchronized diving, Fisher and Martin would have won the gold; however, the refs called Asik for the foul.

Green Machine soccer player Atticus Lane-Dupre, 8, left, poses with Portland Timbers midfielder Will Johnson while wearing each other's jersey after a match between the two teams in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, May 1, 2013. The Timbers and Make-A-Wish Oregon treated Atticus' team to a game at Jeld-Wen Field with more than 3,000 fans coming out to lend their support. Atticus scored several goals, including the winning goal in his team's 10-9 victory. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)
Green Machine soccer player Atticus Lane-Dupre, 8, left, poses with Portland Timbers midfielder Will Johnson while wearing each other's jersey after a match between the two teams in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, May 1, 2013. The Timbers and Make-A-Wish Oregon treated Atticus' team to a game at Jeld-Wen Field with more than 3,000 fans coming out to lend their support. Atticus scored several goals, including the winning goal in his team's 10-9 victory. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

Inspiring soccer game

After missing his team's final soccer game last season because of cancer treatment, 8-year-old Atticus Lane-Dupre made sure his teammates were in on his wish to scrimmage against the Portland Timbers.

On Wednesday, the Timbers and Make-A-Wish Oregon treated Atticus' team, the Green Machine, to a game at Jeld-Wen Field. More than 3,000 fans came out to lend their support.

The Green Machine beat the Timbers, 10-9. Atticus scored the winning goal off a corner kick in the final minute. Portland coach Caleb Porter, leading the Green Machine for the occasion, lifted Atticus in celebration.

"Just how we drew it up," Porter laughed.

Atticus' response afterward was typical of a star-struck 8-year old: "I had lots of fun."

Contributing: Anne M. Peterson, Associated Press

Most recent Sports stories

Related topics

Sports
Josh Furlong

    ARE YOU GAME?

    From first downs to buzzer beaters, get KSL.com’s top sports stories delivered to your inbox weekly.
    By subscribing, you acknowledge and agree to KSL.com's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

    KSL Weather Forecast