All we need is confidence, which the championship teams had. We had the 6th spot on the second title run but deep inside the team was very confident and knew what they could do when the playoffs began. I think it's very helpful that we are playing close games in the 4th quarter this year because it will just help in the end and the players will know that were capable of winning close games; which the playoffs are all about.
This team is more talented than either of our championship teams. What we had then but don't have now is: 1) Our most overpowering player and our most physically gifted player were the same guy 2) our role players were ballsier and 3) the league was weaker. My guess is that #1 won't be a problem, but #2 will be, and #3 is huge.
I think our role players are ballsier than what they've had the opportunity to show so far this season, but tonight I think we started to see a little. Who's got some? Hayes, Battier, Luther, VSpan.... Rafer? Bonzi? ... and I wouldn't call Howard ballsy but he can play veteran-smart down the stretch which has some of the same benefits. This team is growing before our eyes. This is awesome.
I agree. I really enjoy watching this team and they remind me in a lot of ways of the 1st championship team. 1. They seem to know that Yao needs to touch the ball before the long range shots. They are committed to getting Yao the ball. They do a good job of getting Yao the ball. 2. Defensive energy is almost always there. 3. They trust each other to make shots. Some of this is talent, a lot of the credit goes to Van Gundy for establishing and running the program and Dawson for getting the personnel.
