Results tagged “van” from Robert Littal Presents The Infamous BlackSportsOnline

The differences between great NBA coaches and poor coaches are subtle because most coaches at the NBA level are basketball experts. For example, Stan Van Gundy has been widely criticized by the media during the 2009 NBA playoffs while Phil Jackson has been praised with very little criticism. Why does the sports media differ in their treatment of these two coaches when they have both coached their team to the NBA Finals?

"This is a make or miss league"

Jeff Van Gundy

Such an obvious and simple statement, yet one of the realest things ever spoken by a NBA commentator. Sometimes the games are so over analyzed and dissected that the obvious is missed. If Courtney Lee makes a lay up (albeit a difficult one) at the end of game 2 are the Lakers still in control of this series? Analysts, to justify their salaries, always come up with reasons beyond the obvious such as weak side defense and pick and roll offense. But it really just comes down to MAKING shots.

In game 1 of the NBA finals the Magic group of Rafer Alston, Michael Pietrus, Courtney Lee and Jameer Nelson shot a combined 13-41. All we heard was how the Lakers had stepped up their defensive intensity. Oh these are the Lakers that can't be beat when they play defense like that. I went back through the game and saw that group of players along with JJ Reddick missed 21 open shots. Yeah, maybe a late close out by a defender but in general good clean looks at the basket. The Lakers basically stated their game plan was to leave Alston open. So their stated defensive plan to leave the 4th best shooter on the team open is brilliant?