Back in January, the city of Philadelphia rejoiced as their beloved Eagles escaped Soldier Field with their fourth-straight playoff victory. It came courtesy of a remarkable piece of good fortune. Despite their defense allowing Mitch Trubisky to drive the Chicago Bears down the field, the subsequent 43-yard field goal by Cody Parkey was no good.
The kick not only was too low, resulting in a tip at the line, but it also clanged off the left post and crossbar. Thus it forever became known as the “Double Doink.” While Parkey wallowed in misery after missing his 11th kick of the season, Philadelphia players were celebrating. That alone would’ve been fine. However, some of them decided to take it too far.
There is always a lesson to be learned from that sort of pouring salt in the wound. Karma has a way of catching up to a team and a city when that happens. A week later the Eagles paid for it when Alshon Jeffery had a pass go right through his hands and into the arms of the New Orleans Saints defense. The title defense was over.
The sports gods weren’t done with Philadelphia yet though.
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Kawhi Leonard quadruple bounce avenges Cody Parkey
Four months later, optimism was high for the hometown 76ers. They won their first series in the quarterfinals and won Game 6 of the semifinals to set up an unforgettable Game 7 in Toronto against the Raptors. The game lived up to the hype as the two teams traded big shots down the stretch. It was the last one though that people will never forget.
After winning a playoff game on the double doink miss, it seems rather fitting Philadelphia suffered one of their most agonizing defeats at the hands of another shot that bounced off iron. Kawhi Leonard may not be from Chicago, but he did the city a great serve by reminding Philly it’s important to be humble in victory.
Otherwise there will be punishment.
