The wrist injury that changed a franchise
BY Frank IsolaA significant anniversary came and went this week without much fanfare or reflection. It was an anniversary that changed the Knicks – for the better – and underscored how a real franchise player can set the tone for an entire organization.
It is hard to believe but 10 years have passed since Patrick Ewing shattered his right wrist in a game in Milwaukee when he leaped for an alley-oop pass and was fouled in midair by Andrew Lang. Ewing crashed to the floor and used his wrist to break the fall. The force caused a high-speed, high-impact injury normally associated with victims of motorcycle accidents.
As soon as the Knicks returned to New York, Ewing was in surgery and his career was in jeopardy.
"As far as a professional basketball player, in my 20 years, I don't remember a player of Patrick's caliber sustaining this injury," said Dr. Norman Scott, the Knicks former team physician said after the surgery."It's a football-type injury or a motor vehicle accident type of injury. He fell with tremendous force on this wrist.
"The fact we could get it early, and we got it within six hours of the injury, we're optimistic."
I was in Milwaukee that night and you could almost hear the bones in Ewing's shooting wrist shattered late in the first half. Mike Saunders, the team's former trainer, raced onto the court to Ewing's aid. Ewing was in obvious pain but he still attempted his two free throws – with his left hand – thus preventing him from being disqualified. Afterwards, while Sanders was on the phone arranging for the medical staff to meet Ewing at the airport, Charlie Ward was helping Ewing fix his tie and tie his shoes.
As soon as the Knicks returned to New York, Ewing was on the operating table. The surgery was performed by Dr. Charles Melone and Scott's wife, Susan Craig Scott, at 4 A.M., to prevent possible nerve damage from the dislocated bone.
The Knicks record was 15-11 when Ewing went down and they were facing a long road without him. Jeff Van Gundy scrambled to make adjustments, moving Charles Oakley to center and making Allan Houston and Larry Johnson the focal point of the offense. Charlie Ward was never better.
The Knicks didn't offer up excuses nor did they feel sorry for themselves. Instead, each practice and each game was a chance for them to prove that even if they didn't have the most talent in the league, no team would out-work them. Former GM Ernie Grunfeld made several minor moves to solidify the roster in Ewing's absence.
Meanwhile, Ewing demonstrated his commitment and leadership by working out each day with strength coach Greg Brittenham intent on proving the doctors wrong.
That season the Knicks, thriving in their new role as the underdog, finished 43-39 and earned the seventh seed. They met Miami in the first round and gutted out a Game 5 win to advance to the second round. As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Ewing put his arm around Van Gundy and told him, "We did it."
It was victory for the entire organization; the trainers, coaches, front office, players. When you talk about Knicks pride, think about the 1997-98 Knicks. I always do.
And I always think about Ewing, a true warrior, making a remarkable comeback and playing in Game 2 against Indiana. The Garden erupted that day…for all the right reasons.
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/knicks/2007/12/the-wrist-injury-that-changed.html
3/10/2011 2:59 PM