Admitting that it was “kind of crazy,” Metta World Peace took the subway Wednesday from Queensbridge, where he was raised, to Madison Square Garden for his debut as a member of the Knicks.
Crazy? Environmentally friendly? Time-efficient? All of the above? Regardless, MSG cameras went along for the ride as World Peace commuted to work on public transportation before New York defeated Milwaukee 90-83 in its season opener.
World Peace has just about seen it all during a 15-year career that has included stops with the Bulls, Pacers, Kings, Rockets and Lakers, but he hadn’t suited up for his hometown team since his college days at St. John’s in Queens. To celebrate the occasion, he hopped on the F train, crossing the East River from Queens into Manhattan in advance of the 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
“A lot of times over the years I took this ride to the city,” World Peace explained to MSG. “It’s just been a long time coming, right? This is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’m focused for the game, I understand this is kind of crazy but this is good, we get a chance to sit down, have my pre-game meal, I’ll be on the train for maybe 10 minutes, I’ll walk to the Garden and I’ll be locked in ready to win the game.”
Shortly after he was released by the Lakers using the amnesty clause, World Peace signed a two-year, $3.3 million contract with the Knicks. He opened the season as a reserve for coach Mike Woodson, coming off the bench to score four points (on 2-for-4 shooting) and grabb four rebounds in 18 minutes.
The 33-year-old forward has appeared in a Queensbridge documentary. During the 2010 playoffs, when he was still doing business as Ron Artest, he famously suggested that TNT’s Craig Sager should “Say Queensbridge!” during a post-game interview following a Lakers win.
Carmelo Anthony scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for New York on Wednesday. Gary Neal led the Bucks with 16 points and five assists off the bench. — SI.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
"Be as smart as you can, but remember that it is always better to be wise than to be smart."