Kosport Magazine: A Father’s First Time Watching His Son Play
It was just another game on the schedule for the Brooklyn Nets, but for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, it was a moment he had been waiting for his entire life. On Saturday night, his father, Elbert Smith, was in the stands at Barclays Center to watch his son play for the first time.
For Finney-Smith, this was a moment filled with excitement and emotion. He wanted to make sure he got the win for his father, who had been unable to attend any of his games due to being in prison for the past 28 years.
But the Nets didn’t just win, they made a comeback and secured a 113-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Finney-Smith played a crucial role, scoring 2 points in 24 minutes.
For Elbert Smith, this was a moment of redemption. He had been convicted of a crime in 1996 and sentenced to 44 years in prison. But with the help of the Dallas Mavericks, who Finney-Smith used to play for, he was able to secure an early release in 2023.
And now, after waiting for so long, he was finally able to see his son play in person. Finney-Smith’s mother, Desiree, also made the trip to New York to support her son and husband.
For Finney-Smith, it was a surreal experience to have his father in the stands. He could see the joy in his father’s eyes as he took in the sights of New York City, a place he had last visited in 1994.
The Nets organization also recognized the significance of this game for Finney-Smith and made sure to support him in any way they could. Interim coach Kevin Ollie knew that this was a special moment for Finney-Smith and had no doubt that he would handle it like a pro.
And he did just that, helping the Nets secure the win and making his father proud. It was a moment that will be cherished by both father and son for years to come.
Summary:
For Dorian Finney-Smith, Saturday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons was more than just another game on the schedule. It was the first time his father, who had been in prison for 28 years, was able to watch him play in person. With the support of the Nets organization, Finney-Smith helped lead his team to a comeback victory and made his father proud. It was a moment filled with emotion and redemption, and one that will be remembered for years to come.
