Among the many reasons that Derek Harper succeeded as a point guard through 16 seasons in the NBA were his focus and ability to stay calm in difficult situations. Clearly, he’s carried that unflappability over to the Dallas Mavericks broadcast booth.
Friday night wasn’t a good one for the Mavs, who were blown out 128-90 by the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. At one point, Dallas was down by as many as 45 points against the Cavs buzzsaw. Trying to provide postgame analysis and recap after a stampede like that couldn’t have been fun. And it has to be even worse when people are squeezing butts on camera right behind you.
Nevertheless, Harper kept his cool while that gluteal grabbing was going on over his shoulder. Actually, he didn’t look too impressed by it at all. Maybe he was disappointed in those two kids. That is, if he even knew what was happening while providing his analysis. It’s difficult to hear anything else with those headphones on.
go mavs pic.twitter.com/cj1zD6zXMl
— Josh Bowe (@Boweman55) November 26, 2016
OK, so this probably falls under an “awkward” situation more than a difficult one. A woman playing grab-ass with her friend while Harper is on camera probably isn’t quite the same as trying to set up a game-winning play against the Los Angeles Lakers. Besides, Harper — like most anyone who’s had to be on camera in public — has likely encountered plenty of people trying to get attention nearby and potentially ruin a shot.
Harper’s had to watch some bad basketball so far this season, as the Mavericks have compiled the worst record in the NBA at 2-13. On Friday, the pummeling continued with Kevin Love scoring 27 points (including seven 3-pointers) and Kyrie Irving adding 25 (19 of which were scored in the first quarter) in the Cavaliers’ rout.
Someone jiggling some pleather-sheathed buttock behind him probably seems like nothing after that. It might even be a welcome distraction.
[theScore]
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