Stats are the lifeblood of sports, the source of both bragging rights and cold, hard incentive-driven cash. But they’re also a touchy subject; like an invitation to an elite club, you’ve got to pursue them without looking like you’re pursuing them.
Stat-grubbing hit its lowest point on March 16, 2003, when then-Cleveland Cavalier Ricky Davis realized he was just one rebound short of a triple-double. Problem for Davis was, the Cavs were 27 points up on the Utah Jazz, and only seconds remained in the game. Davis attempted an unconventional — to say the least — move, shooting on his own basket and grabbing the rebound.