Early in the second quarter, after another Quentin Richardson brick, the two shaggy stars went after the rebound. Somehow, their hair became tangled and both players "went down on the floor in a heap."

After about a 20-minute delay – during which both teams' trainers and several Phoenix-area hair stylists helped solve the crisis – Nash and Ginobili were able to resume play, hair intact.

"I saw one guy grab a razor, and I though my hair was a goner," said Nash, the NBA's MVP. "They managed to separate me and Manu with nary a strand of hair missing."

Ginobili was equally gracious: "I don't want to let the cat out of the bag, but I'm like Samson, dude. They cut my hair and I go from averaging 22 points and 7 boards to about 13 and 4 real quick."

The Spurs went on to win Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, and now await the winner of the Detroit / Miami series to play for the NBA title.

Nash and Ginobili represent the new breed of NBA player: floppy-haired white guys who are deceptively athletic, highly skilled, and have the guts to take the big shot when the game's on the line.