Mason's career high after three years in the NBA to this point was 18 points against the Nets and yet he seemed very content with life. His three-point scoring average did not frustrate him as much as it did in the past.
He had grown to accept the fact that at Washington he may get an opportunity. That offseason, he turned down offers from other teams because he did not want to just sit on a bench and collect a check.
He was comfortable in Washington, and the Wizards like having a local product that fans could cheer for. He was growing under coach Eddie Jordan; he just needed the chance to prove it.
Well when Gilbert Arenas went down in 2007, Mason was given his biggest opportunity to date and this time he was not going to disappoint.
Mason was an incredible spark for Washington, a team that could have easily folded after all the injuries they were suffering from last season.
If you don't believe it, would you care to look at this team's success?
Mason ended the year with a 9.1 scoring average, registering double figures in 35 contests and ranking in the top 40 in three-pointers and three-point percentage.
Mason was also playing big in tough situations, scoring 18 against Cleveland in the first round practically lifting his team to victory in an elimination game.
It had been a long road but Roger Mason Jr. was finally watching his dream come true...Even if it was a bit deferred.
This offseason, the San Antonio Spurs came calling. They had actually been looking at Mason beforehand, but after his breakout season, they knew Mason was going to be doing more than just handing out towels to Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli.
Once again, fortune was on Mason's side.
Injuries to Ginobli and Parker, once again gave Mason an opportunity and he has only started out the season with nearly 13 points and four rebounds per game.
Mason has 67 three pointers this year (before tonight's dagger), which is fourth best in the NBA, alongside the third best percentage from downtown.
That efficiency is something that Greg Popovich can be proud of and something that can make believers out of his new teammates.
This year, the big stars of the Lone Star state have been mentioning the only thing keeping Mason from being a big-time player is confidence. Often they have to tell him to shoot more and not less, a rare saying in the NBA.
Well a big three-pointer on Christmas on the road against the Phoenix Suns should show everybody that Roger Mason Jr. is more than confident enough to help the Spurs once again try to make a deep run in the playoffs.
So take note, rest of the NBA, the Spurs are back!
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