…
Meanwhile, the visiting team was also holding a meeting in their locker room.
It was a "Heart to Heart, Hand in Hand" team unity meeting.
Carlisle, Artest, Little O'Neal, and Jackson each took turns speaking. They talked to Stephon Marbury about the Pacers' team culture, the importance of running the team's tactical system, and how individual and team honors were inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing.
The reasoning was all sound.
Everyone was sincere, hoping to bring Stephon Marbury back into the fold.
But in the end, Stephon Marbury only said one thing: "Tonight, can you let me both make a name for myself and take home the victory?"
"This is my personal demon. I have to overcome this hurdle. Can you imagine what it feels like to be cursed at by over twenty thousand people at once? And this is my hometown!"
Marbury also spoke with genuine emotion.
He was so worked up he was practically roaring.
