Those observations are pretty much universal, based on what I've heard from other players who have seen him.

Al Thornton is one of the best frontcourt players this league has.

He's got some intestinal fortitude, which I don't know if I've ever seen before. Almost as if he has the mentality of a boxer or a football player.

He's got a level of intestinal fortitude that I don't know that I've ever seen before. A light went off in him that [he] had to take control of this game, and that's what he did.

I think what he is doing this season, all of us ? players, coaches and media in particular ? should really savor. He's having ... a year for the ages. By coming back this year, he's really made it worthwhile. And we all need to sit back and admire it because it won't happen for a long time after this.

It has been a very good rivalry, but it seems to be a pretty special rivalry right now because both teams are ranked in the top 20.