“I loved the game so much I would just go out there and play all day and night. Whatever I was carrying groceries, or running an errand for my mom or dad, I always had one hand free dribbling that basketball.” -Magic Johnson
Turnovers are a coach’s worst enemy. Their biggest peet peeve. Bottom line, it drives most of us crazy. Especially inforced turnvoers.
Mike Woodson, head coach of the NY Knicks on turnovers:
“When we do it like that on the road, it’s pretty good. I looked at the stat sheet and saw only seven turnovers. That’s the name of the game. You can’t turn it over on the road and think you’re going to beat anybody. We took care of the basketball, got good shots, the ball moved freely again tonight and our defense was solid again.”
Last night I watched two NBA games; Cavaliers and Celtics/Nuggets and Warriors.
NBA.com with the C’s-Cavs story. Rajon Rondo of the Celtics got off to a great start; he scored 10 points in the first quarter and the C’s got off to a 31-21 lead. But the Cavaliers battled back and won the game by 20, 108-88. Sure Lebron James scored 36 points but it was the bench play of the Cavs that got them back into the game. Their hustle and defense was a key.
“The star of the game for them was Varejao,” (Doc) Rivers said. “He was absolutely amazing with his energy, with his defense; he kept the ball alive. He kept them within striking range in the first half.”
As for the Nuggets and Warriors, NBA.com story – well let’s just say Doug Collins of TNT said it best when he stated the Warriors were playing with a D-League frontline. There’s no way you’re going to win against one of the better teams in the league like that. Rookie sensation Stephen Curry put in his usual work but Chauncey Billups let him know that the kid still has a ways to go.
“It’s games like tonight that get my attention, a team that’s under .500,” Martin said. “Guys always show up to play money games. That’s not my concern. We could be better. I just think about losing to Philly at home, Minnesota at home, at Charlotte. Games like that, they’ll come back to bite you.”
Nuggets shot 16-27 from way downtown.
J.R. Smith of the Nuggets is unreal. The guy has a ton of energy and is fearless. At one stage he hit a long three point shot, ran back on defense and made a steal where he pushed the ball and drilled another three. Smith connected on 7 of 13 from deep.
Don’t buy into “teams that run will turn it over”. Warriors had only 11 turnovers last night. You often hear people say teams that fastbreak will turn it over; that’s not always the case if you are smart with the ball. Take care of the ball; every possession counts.
Watch this clip, is it an offensive foul or not?
“Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way.”
