Ron Harper, who left Miami University as the Mid-American Conference's all-time leading scorer with 2,377 points from 1983-1986, has elevated his game and
become a key contributor to the Lakers' success in the NBA Finals.
Winning championships is something Harper knows a lot about. While at Miami, he was part of two MAC regular season championship teams, won a MAC
Tournament crown and made the NCAA Tournament three times (1984-85-86).
Harper, a key role player for three NBA champion Chicago Bulls teams in 1996, 1997 and 1998 under coach Phil Jackson, has contributed to the Lakers' success immensely in
the 1999-2000 season, contributing seven points, four rebounds and nearly four assists a game in the regular season. However, the post-season is when he has truly
showed his worth.
The 14-year NBA veteran turned in a stellar defensive performance against Reggie Miller in game one, when the Pacers star missed 15 of 16 shots. Then the
36-year-old turned in a clutch offensive showing in game two with a season-high 21 points Friday, picking up the slack when Kobe Bryant went down with an
injury.
"Somehow I found some energy," Harper said to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "I just came out and did the things I had to do. We are a team that is trying to do
something here, so whenever a guy gets hurt, we need to have guys who step into his spot."
Harper followed with 14 points in Sunday's narrow Lakers loss to the Pacers in game three, including a three-pointer to pull the Lakers within three points with 15
seconds left in the game at Conseco Fieldhouse.
"I am dreaming," Harper said. "It's just a big dream. I'm just doing my job. I'm just doing whatever they ask me to do. Ron Harper's just an old guy trying to hold
on."
The Lakers are holding on to a 2-1 series lead in the Finals, and they'll need continued contributions from Harper and his teammates if they are to get Harper a
fourth NBA Championship ring.