"Most of us would rather be ruined by praise, than saved by criticism." - Don Meyer
Every coach has heard this. After a win where a team played poorly or made too many mistakes, a player says, "But Coach, we won."
That is a recipe for disaster. Winning and playing well don't always match. Kevin Eastman shared that after a Celtics' Finals game win against the Lakers, the team allowed 32 points on defensive mistakes or errors. 32 points.
Sustainable competitive advantage comes from heeding Bob Knight, "basketball is a game of mistakes."
"Repetitions make reputations." My coach said again and again, "I'm pleased but I'm not satisfied." Great messages stick.
"What is unacceptable in defeat is unacceptable in victory." Turnovers, poor shot selection, bad fouls, failed transition defense, lack of focus and submaximal effort earn defeat.
Mistakes catch up with us. Talent can't compensate at the highest levels for errors or lack of effort.
The first four teams lost by a point.
- The first two possessions of the game, failed block outs led to a pair of scores. The fans lament the final possession. The coach remembers the first two.
- The team fouled 'bad shots' allowing easy ones, free throws.
- The team missed 25 of 45 free throws.
- Situationally inappropriate shots allowed opponents more possessions.
- An overly athletic opposition defense allowed our offense to get sped up, leading to turnovers and bad shots. We lucked out and won by three.
- We got exposed in ball containment, got help but no rotation. Again, we lucked out because our star player went off offensively.
“When you criticize your kids all the time, they don't stop loving you. They stop loving themselves. Let that sink in.”
— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) October 17, 2022
Lagniappe 2. Great players create.
Insanely good action here out of Horns.
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) October 17, 2022
(Via @dustinaubert 🎥)
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