Word on the Street

Matador Defense (mat’-uh-dor’ de’-fens) noun. A lackluster, low-effort form of defense in which the defender simply reaches for the ball and then quickly pulls his hand away – similar to how a matador pulls his cape out of the way of a charging bull – as the offensive player drives by him for an easy shot at the hoop.

Usage example: “Vlade Divac wasn’t just the master of the flop, he was also an expert in playing matador defense.”

Word history: The term “matador defense” was coined by Chick Hearn, the Lakers’ long-time and legendary play-by-play man. Hearn revolutionized color commentary with his rapid fire, staccato broadcasting style and is credited with creating many of basketball’s most well-known and enduring phrases. Some of the most famous Chick-isms include “slam dunk,” “air ball,” and “no harm, no foul.”

You didn’t think I’d miss the chance to include a picture of Tito Santana did you?

——————————

Labels: Vlade Divac / Los Angeles Lakers / Word on the Street