More like this: Bev: "Don't do it Beaz! Coach told me he would send me back to Russia for shooting that. I ain't going back to Russia!" Beaz: "Psh! Homie please! I actually make those."
The Rockets need to be willing to mix up their attack more When the team is struggling to hit 3s then it makes sense to attempt some 2-point shots closer to the basket sometimes. The reason is because it's a slightly higher percentage shot and makes the offense less predictable. In fact, I think the Rockets should incorporate some more 2-point shots into their overall offense style as well and not just for when they are struggling to convert behind the arc. The elite teams that Les wants the Rockets to play like are willing to set screens for 2-point buckets as well, not just for 3s.
could you imagine if shaun livingston played for a ridiculous team that had the 2nd highest 3 point rate and 3rd lowest mid-range 2 rate just because they thought that was efficient? he'd never get to shoot mid-range shots and that team would be a joke that never won. oh wait, he does play for that team and he shoots mid-range 2's because he's good at them and they won 73 games.
but the rockets don't keep going 5/30 from 3. they are about a 35% 3 point shooting team. and the problem with suggesting that a team that shoots 5/30 from 3's should take a mid-range shot is that you have no idea if the team is going to go 5/30 until they already have. if we knew, then sure you could tell them to try something different, but we don't. just by pure randomness, a team like the rockets will start a game 4/20 from 3 about 1 in every 8 games. it doesn't mean they are off and can't shoot. it just means streaks happen. just like being 10/20 doesn't mean they are on. since you can't predict the streaks, it only makes sense to keep taking the shots with the highest value. obviously you have to adjust to what the defense is doing, but every defense in the league is trying to force mid-range jumpers so you are generally just playing into their hands (of failing at execution on your end) if you end up taking a bunch of mid-range 2's unless you have guys who are exceptional at mid-range 2's.
