Handling End of Game Basketball Situations – Should Cav’s Take Three?
By Don Kelbick
Sometimes you can learn by watching how end of game situations pan out in the NBA. Here’s my opinion on what happened the other day…
Yesterday, with 14 seconds to go and the Cavs down 5, TV anouncers said, “of course they have to raise up for an early 3.” Why? It is a 2 posession game and at some point they have to get a 2. Why not get it first?. The two most important things in that situation are: the ball has to go in the basket (it makes no difference where you shoot from if it doesn’t go in) and score as many points as you can with the clock stopped. Both of those situations (including getting fouled) scream “layup” to me. Score, get fouled, make the foul shot. Now you’re down 2 with 10 seconds to go - different game.
What do you think?
3 Comments
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Michael — May 22, 2008 @ 6:38 am
When you have Pierce and Allen on the other side to shot the free throws, you have to go for the 3´s.
Ken — May 25, 2008 @ 9:07 am
There are different philosophies regarding this…. it is a two possesion game and we told our players to take what the defense gave us and NOT just rely on the three. If they are packed in…it might be very hard to drive against that… IF you have a couple of great three point shooters, I would give them the green light. You have to believe in what your players can do and go with it. JMO
Gary — June 17, 2008 @ 11:23 am
I totally agree with Ken and take what the defence will gives you.