During Chris Webber 's run with the Sacramento Kings, the Utah Jazz was always a thorn in their side. In the 1999 NBA playoffs, the Kings were rightfully scared of the squad that had made the NBA Finals in the two prior seasons. Determined to show that they were made from flesh and bone, C-Webb decided to lay out John Stockton , which he did. However, the five-time All-Star also came out with a deeper level of respect for the Association's all-time steals and assists leader.
"Everybody's scared, it's our first playoffs series, so before the game, I tell coach I'm a lay out John Stockton the first play of the game. That's because everybody's scared, man," Webber said in an episode of NBA TV's Open Court. "I laid him out first play of the game, got a technical… In my head, I'm like, 'Oh man, I hope I didn't hit him too hard.' Stockton got up and he didn't care. After the game, Stockton came over and said, 'Hey, good job.'"
The Kings ultimately bowed out to the Jazz, but Webber was in awe of Stockton's toughness. According to the Hall of Famer, the Gonzaga alum never complained to the referees and just went about his business.
"He was as tough they say he is," Webber concluded.
Karl Malone wanted a piece of C-Webb
Everyone could see that Webber wanted to make a statement, but that physical play did not sit well with Stockton's partner, Karl Malone.
" I love Chris Webber, but this was one time where I wanted to kick his ass. Right? So we had been wearing them out – at home – and Chris Webber started at half court looking for John Stockton. On the flip side, I say, 'Good on you Chris, for studying the playbook.' And we ran that four up and he didn't even care. He hit Stockton right in the sternum with his elbow. I damn near felt it and [it] hurt," the Mailman said on The Knuckleheads podcast.
Again, Malone highlighted the Spokane, Washington native's toughness. The 6'9" power forward pleaded not to run that play again to prevent Webber from hitting Stock again. To his surprise, Stockton said he was fine and wanted the team to take a stab at it again. The 2009 Hall of Fame inductee was really tough as nails.
Mentally tough
As physically tough as Stockton was, he could be just as mentally strong. The long-time Jazz point guard had the uncanny ability to tune out opponents' trash talks and not listen to them at all. This contributed to his consistent level of play throughout the years.
"I was told they did (trash talk). I didn't notice it. I've been told I was fairly focused. I'm sure guys did. I remember a guy yelling at me one game because I didn't respond to his trash-talking. They just kept yelling, 'Talk to me!' All of a sudden, it occurred to me that he'd been talking. I think I missed out on a lot," said on the Dan Patrick show.
Unfortunately, Stockton never won a ring, hurting his legacy in the eyes of many fans. However, younger players could take a page or two off his book. Championships might have eluded Stockton, but his unshakable focus and toughness are timeless lessons for any player who wants to take a shot at greatness.
Related: "He was already an NBA guy in his first year" - John Stockton on his first impression of Karl Malone as a rookie
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