In Golden State’s victory over the Portland Trail Blazers last night, nouveau riche Klay Thompson threw the hammer down. It was a monstrous dunk, and Robin Lopez was in the frame as it went down.
From one perspective, Thompson dunked on Lopez. Lopez was going up to block the shot, clearly, and Thompson managed to go right around him and throw it down.
That distinction — that Thompson went around Lopez — is a big one, especially for Lopez himself. If you choose to declare that Lopez got “steamrolled” on the dunk, for instance, he will disagree.
Dear @USATODAYsports
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) November 3, 2014
While being a ferocious dunk, not sure "Steamrolled" is an apt description, as it implies contact. Perhaps "Evaded."
For comparison's sake @USATODAYsports , I provide you with an example of "Steamrolling":http://t.co/9UtkkYHXvv
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) November 3, 2014
The comparison of which Fropez speaks? Oh, just your ordinary, garden-variety Vine-ing of fellow big man Andrew Bogut.
Now that’s a steamrolling. Bogut gets right up into Lopez, and Fropez continues with minimal loss of momentum. It’s just straight physics when you think about it, really.
So if you’re ever in the market for a headline about Robin Lopez dunking or being dunked on, just remember: Fropez is watching, and he wants to make sure that you choose your words carefully.
OR ELSE YOU GET YAMMED ON. (And props to both bigs for stepping in and playing defense. You’re braver men than most.)