August 13, 2008

USA vs. Angola, 1992

I’ve scoured the New York Times archive again, because I kept seeing mentions of Barkley elbowing an Angolan player while reading about today’s game. Here’s an article showcasing some of the Dream Team’s motivations, including Australia’s fear of AIDS and Michael & Scottie hearing too much about how good a Croatian fellow named Toni is.

The Dream Team apparently has moved to cut off the possibility of boredom by seizing upon natural rivalries and, in their absence, proceeding to make one up.

Barkley’s thoughts before the game?

“I don’t know anything about Angola but Angola’s in trouble.”

Here’s the recap. And hey, here’s a cut-up version of the 1992 broadcast. Some highlights: Barkley shoves at 1:05. Dime from Pippen, Barkley with the layup, Barkley with the elbow at 3:10. The score is 53-8 a few second after 5:15. Laettner dunk at 7:17.

Side note: I was in San Diego over the weekend with spotty internet access. Not that I would’ve been posting, but sometimes it’s good to pretend. Head to my Twitter for five things I sent during the weekend. I’m still trying to figure out how I want to get those to show up here.