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DON’T HAVE A CLOSED MIND – Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is not a typical point guard. Westbrook is an amazing athlete who is given the freedom to make plays. Yes, he makes some mistakes – but he can elevate the entire team when he gets it going (see game 4.)
LeBron guarded D.Rose a couple of years ago in the playoffs. He was the Heat’s best option. Chris Bosh is a post who stretches the defense by making threes. Use what each player does best – not what tradition dictates.
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ONE GUY CAN ENERGIZE AN ENTIRE TEAM – Ibaka
It appeared Serge Ibaka (aka I Block Ya) was out for the playoffs. His energy and rim protection turned the tide in OKC wins in games 3 and 4. I realize it is a team game but one person can make a big difference.
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ADJUST TO THE OFFICIALS – LeBron (game 5)
A foul on the Road can be good D at home. It is your team’s job to adjust to the officials – not their job to adjust to you.
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STATS LIE – The Birdman
He doesn’t make a lot of money by NBA standards. He doesn’t score much. He impacts games and does the dirty work (defense, screening, rebounding.) Make heroes out of your bench players and they will embrace their roles.
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DON’T WRESTLE WITH A PIG – Lance Stephenson
Don Meyer always said, “Don’t wrestle with a pig because you both get dirty, but the pig likes it.” LeBron ignored Stephenson’s nonsense because it was a ploy by a desperate bush leaguer. (I’m looking at you, Lance.)
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CHAMPIONS CARRY THEMSELVES WITH CLASS. – Heat
After losing game 5 in Indy, the Heat didn’t make excuses, point fingers at each other or blame the officials. They stayed confident and unified.
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CELEBRATE YOUR WINS. – Heat
I liked that the Heat celebrated winning the Eastern Conference Title. Ho Hum… it was their fourth consecutive Finals. But they enjoyed it, as they should.
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DEVELOP YOUR BENCH.
Ray Allen, Manu Ginobli, Chris Anderson, Norris Cole, Rashard Lewis, Boris Diaw and Steven Adams are all key players that don’t usually start. Develop a bench early in the year and you’ll reap rewards later on. Popovich and Spoelstra trust their bench players – Vogel and Brooks… not so much.
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PASS THE BALL. – Spurs
Hero ball is much easier to guard. The way the Spurs share the pill is refreshing.
Here are just a few of my thoughts, please share yours also.
-Coach T
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