In The Art of Winning, Bill Belichick says there are five or so GTHI (Got to Have It) plays per game. With few scores in a game, that makes sense. There might be more or fewer depending on the competitiveness of a basketball game.
In a tight contest, many might show up 'close and late'. These plays score or deny opponents from scoring. Sometimes it's more nuanced, holding on to a rebound, corralling a loose ball, making free throws, blocking out a tough rebounder or inbounding the ball against pressure.
In a rout, sometimes there are no GTHI plays.
'Basketball powers' develop "possession enders," players who score, get stops, and rebounds. New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau noted that teams prosper with defensive runs and rebounding runs as with offensive runs.
Top teams find ways to neutralize the impact of pressure. They win the "balance of power" between offense, defense, and conversion between the two.
We don't always recognize when a GTHI moment didn't happen. A missed layup might have triggered an offensive run or a live-ball turnover changes momentum as an opponent turns it into a transition hoop.
Practicing situations prepares us for better decision-making and execution when games are in the balance. Do we have a couple of winning plays for BOBs, SLOBs, ATOs, and half-court GTHIs against man and zone defense?
GTHIs separate championships from regrets.
Lagniappe. As coaches, humility allows us an improvement mentality.
Lagniappe 2. Bilas speaks truth.
This double standard surrounding players leaving and coaches leaving their programs needs to stop: pic.twitter.com/HzfEaeqxln
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 2, 2025
Lagniappe 3. Attention to detail...
The coaching in Europe is so detailed
— Hoop Herald (@TheHoopHerald) April 2, 2025
Coach Gregor Fučka shows some of the fine coaching points that he emphasizes in this short clip
The value of good coaching for younger players has never been more apparent than now
(Via @europrobasket 🎥)
pic.twitter.com/KN0QFpzAXc
