when the opposing team as a lockdown defender, we are screwed. should even out who handles the ball a little bit more.
Don't know about the Rockets, but Kobe's Achilles heel is his Achilles. . .. ... You were thinking it, I just said it.
Defense will be the real key. In the playoffs where the stakes are much higher, teams will definitely clamp down on the Rockets best scoring options and not allow as many fastbreaks as in the regular season. So it usually boils down to who gets the most number of stops and plays the more consistent D throughout the series. I think it won't hurt to insert some zone/extended zone schemes to mask weaknesses. I know it's too far into the season to start experimenting but zones typically are quick to digest and have a fairly good risk-reward ratio. If it's the Spurs in R1 for example, Parker thrives in attacking the rim and in mid range floaters, and in kick outs from penetrations. You take away a lot of those Spurs options once you get into a zone.
when we lose the ability to adjust- which is down to experience. Unfortunately both players and coaching staff lack in that area.
You forgot another option... Getting respect from the officiating crew that does/will do our games... Just watched Game 6 from Kings/Lakers in 2002, and one thought came to mind... That that's how the officials will officiate our first round playoff games! We will continue to get BS calls into the playoffs and even if we are playing better than our opposition and playing superb/excellent defense where we (clear as day) do NOT foul them, we will get called for them anyway and get no clear as day fouls on the opposition when they foul us! Whether if its OKC, SA, Denver, or Memphis/Clippers, the NBA and its refs would want that team to advance and not us because quite frankly, they don't have ENOUGH respect for us to advance past the first round! I am fearing playoff time to be honest with y'all, just my gut feeling deep inside... Why do I feel like this will happen? Because its all about $$$ to them and ratings, which is SAD. For the last WEEK... WEEK of the games that I have been watching whether they have been at home or away, its just been TERRIBLE officiating by the refs against us!
Sometimes they turn the ball over like crazy unstoppable. I don't really care about those TO s from creating shots. But other than that , what's the secret to avoid TO?
