Dr Naismith cautioned, “Basketball is an easy game to play and a difficult one to master.”
From Boston Sports Journal
Asked about being on the verge of joining a special Celtics fraternity of coaches who have won a title, Mazzulla’s entire answer was “That will never happen if you don't run back on defense, rebound, execute and get to your spacing. That's the most important thing.”
Regardless of the level of play, teams win with vision, good decisions, and execution with high effort.
1. Good teams player "harder for longer."
2. Good teams get more high quality shots and value the ball, limiting turnovers. The NBA champion Celtics had only seven turnovers in the series-clinching Game 5.
3. Good teams fight to allow "one bad shot." Dallas had only seven offensive rebounds in Game 5 and the Celtics had 15.
4. "Possession and possessions," it's having more and better possessions than opponents. In addition to the mentioned SPCA (shooting, protect the ball, crash, attack) Four Factors edges, the Celtics made free throws (17/20) more than the Mavs (7/13).
5. Transition points arise before defenses are set. The Celtics outscored the Mavs 26-7 in transition, despite Dallas's elite backcourt of Doncic and Irving.
Lagniappe. "Timme Drill."
Me personally, never was a fan of the Mikan Warm Up drill, not opposed to it, but it’s 2024, have to upgrade 😂
— Tim Martin (@TimMartin_TX) June 19, 2024
This is a great warm up drill I call “Timme Drill” for footwork and finishing. Short rolls with a bad pass behind the player. Builds agility & cognitive motor skills. pic.twitter.com/Oy6rmqMMrc
Lagniappe 2. Star in your role, starting or in the "Stay Ready" group.
Bench Player's Guide to Impact 👏:
— Steve Collins (@TeachHoopsBBall) June 16, 2024
1. Energize from the sidelines 💪
2. Be an active listener 👂
3. Stay ready, your moment may come 🏀
4. Applaud your teammates 👏
5. Keep learning during the game 🧠
