DC 1972

I've long wondered how not enough is made of Doug Collins' free throws in the 1972 Olympics, and today at Deadspin there's a great article about that game.

DOUG COLLINS: I can't even remember feeling any pressure. Three dribbles, spin the ball, toss it in, same as in my backyard. I hit 'em both, and we've got the lead. I didn't know what I was made of till then.

And then they take it away from us. This was the first time I'd ever seen that side of life. I remember every moment of it. It's burned in my brain. I got a tape of the last minute; I watched it over and over.

I actually got more bitter about that game as the years went on. If my two free throws had stood up, they'd be etched in history.

When the Soviets were playing the Atlanta Hawks in an exhibition game four years ago, someone said he'd like me to meet the Soviet assistant coach-the guy who threw the length-of-the-court pass for their last basket. I said, "I don't want to meet that guy."