Before Game Four the other night, Lance Stephenson was caught saying something about LeBron James and about how the Pacers would even the series up. James admitted he heard the comment and that it did pique his interest a bit. Stephenson proceeded not to score a point until the fourth quarter and his Pacers fell into a 3-1 hole.
This was a tell-tale lesson in how not to talk smack. Particularly when it involves the best player in the world and the two-time defending champions.
For 19 seasons, Eddie Johnson was one of the best sharpshooters in the league. He hit big buckets for everyone he played for from Phoenix to Houston to Seattle. He was one of the original floor spreaders. And he also knew how to talk a nasty game. But there were rules.
Rules he was kind enough to share on Twitter:
I was a trash talker deluxe when i played, but there is an art to it. One taboo is you never talk before or after a gm. just during @Pacers
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
talking smack to a guy that is the best in the game and has two titles is fools gold. I like Lance's bravado, but not smart @MiamiHEAT
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
I once talked smack to Larry Bird and he proceeded to give me 35 and he described to me every move he would make beforehand! @NBA
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
One time i told Jordan game over and for two mins he played like a crazy man. We still won, but i never said another word to him @NBA
— Eddie A Johnson (@Jumpshot8) May 26, 2014
Some great insight on two prolific trash talkers in Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. It is absolutely key that you not only talk a good game, but if you are going to talk a good game you better back it up.
Reggie Miller always did and never said anything bad about the Knicks until he was getting under John Starks’ skin on the floor. There is certainly an art to this. An art that Lance Stephenson clearly has not learned. He could not back up his talk. Now the Pacers have their backs against the wall.
