With 6:05 remaining in the first quarter, Lee took off his uniform and began to check in at the scorer's table. As fans started to roar to its feet, George Karl quickly called timeout and quieted the crowd.
Lee didn't come in following the timeout, then went back to the scorer's table once played resumed. He finally entered the game with 2:23 to play, getting a standing ovation from fans as he jogged to center court and pointed to the sky with both hands.I saw his simple gesture of thanks to God for the opportunity to play. If you weren't watching you would have missed it and I'm glad I didn't. It stayed with me because it was real—an authentic gesture of praise. He raised his soul and the energy of "Roarcle" higher. When you get a glimpse of something like that, you can't help but feel joy. D-Lee showed up.
Lee answered this question with his remarks.
It was something that I wanted to do for my team, to be a leader, to give us an extra boost," Lee said. "But with an extra four or five days (to rest before facing the Spurs), it's already come this far so stranger things have happened. I can guarantee you one thing. If there's any chance to play, I'll be the first guy to play and that was evidenced by what I did tonight. But I'm just excited about this series. I think we've got a chance.
He too recognizes that showing up makes a difference—be it as an extra boost, contributing a single rebound, or expressing a moment of gratitude. Clearly the Warriors got this far because of David Lee; the power of his presence cannot be underestimated on and off the court. He gave his coach, Mark Jackson a hug as the two spoke while the lights were dimmed during player introductions. Lee led the pep talk in the huddle after the starters were announced.
He is my favorite player to watch even when he is not playing and sitting on the bench AND that's because he's NOT sitting. He's hopped up, reacting to every play, every foul, throwing a towel, high-five-ing every teammate in sight. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to show up for all that happened during Game 6, a win that Warriors fans won't forget for a long time.
He is my favorite player to watch even when he is not playing and sitting on the bench AND that's because he's NOT sitting. He's hopped up, reacting to every play, every foul, throwing a towel, high-five-ing every teammate in sight. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to show up for all that happened during Game 6, a win that Warriors fans won't forget for a long time.
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