With the start of the 2018-19 NBA regular season upon us, the Patriots-Chiefs game on Sunday reminded me of Michael Jordan’s friendly pregame chalk toss at the scorer’s table. But it was Breeland Speaks who was doing the powder-puffing when he graciously allowed Tom Brady to limp into the end zone late in the game. His explanation was that he wanted to avoid a penalty for roughing the passer.

I thought cordial games were played with one less shoulder pad and collared shirts.