Minutes removed from a career-best performance, Hunter Dickinson sat hunched behind a microphone. He had tallied a career-best 33 points, overpowering an arsenal of Michigan State big men in a masterful display.
But no one wanted to talk about what Dickinson had done. Everyone wanted to talk about the way he had done it.
And we’re not talking about a blend of vicious slam dunks, savvy putbacks, and sweet left-handed hook shots. No, we’re talking about an endless spew of good old-fashioned trash talk.
Did Dickinson feel like he got underneath Michigan State’s skin?
“Yeah,” he conceded in between snickers. “Yeah, I did.”
Forty-two seconds into Tuesday’s game, Dickinson notched a jump hook over the top of Julius Marble. He watched the ball just long enough to see it snap the net, then turned around, his head on a swivel, to stare daggers at the Spartans’ bench.
It served as a fitting precursor to the night that unfolded. After each made basket, Dickinson locked eyes with the players and coaches along Michigan State’s sideline, yelping and hollering. The crowd roared. Tom Izzo paced.
Rivalry Flash Sale!
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