Wednesday, October 19, 2022

"But Coach, We Won."

"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. 
For ambitious teams with championship dreams, failed execution is an opportunity for learning, not celebration because "we won." 

Hold teams accountable to a standard. George Stephanopoulos reminds us to do so in a "clear, respectful, and compassionate manner." When we hear of coaches telling players they are "useless" or "worthless," that says more about the coach than the target. 

Dave Landry, an elite stock trader, told a story of how another couple who were bodybuilders bought trading software and explained how they would succeed in trading. At dinner, he grabbed some shrimp and washed them down chugging a beer. "What are you doing?" He said, "I'm starting to get into body building." Fundamentals, training, and experience create expertise, not just blind enthusiasm.

Basketball is a cruel mistress. 

Lagniappe. 

Lagniappe 2. Great players create. 


 

 

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