Say all you want about guys scoring the ball. Talk about skill development, shooting 1,000 shots per day, working with trainers, and all that other stuff.
Defense is what it’s all about!
If you can defend, there’s a place for you.
You will be on the floor late in a close game, trust me.
Every coach wants a great defender to stop the opposing team’s best player.
It takes hard work; many don’t want to work. It takes courage, toughness and a desire!
Last night, the Cleveland Cavaliers went into Houston to take on the Rockets. LeBron James, one of the best players in the NBA knew he had his work cut out. Shane Battier and Ron Artest of the Rockets were assigned to check LBJ. James has been unbelievable to this point. He soars through the air, shoots long jumpers, makes the mid range and of course dishes the ball. He is clearly one of the most exciting players to ever play the game.
Notes:
Pre-game on TNT with Kenny, Charles and EJ. They all chimed in on the contest and they included their views on offense vs defense, mainly the Rockets trying to stop LBJ.
“It annoys you when someone says they can stop you.” That’s what Charles said last night when talking about great offensive players and hearing that someone is going to shut you down.
Well CB, I don’t know if LBJ was annoyed, and I don’t know if Battier or Artest said they were going to stop LBJ but they did a great job last night.
“Offense beats defense.” said The Jet, Kenny Smith. “Just ask George Gervin.”
Yes Kenny, you may be half right. Just how many championships did Ice win?
If you want to win big games and rings, there comes a time you have to lock up! Just ask Walt Frazier, Bill Russell, Dennis Johnson, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, Michael Jordan and Bruce Bowen. (People fail to realize that it just wasn’t Jordan’s big time shot against Byron Russell and the Utah Jazz back in the day in the Finals that won the game, it was his steal on Karl Malone that put them in position for Jordan’s great shot)
Speaking of defense, rings and high scorers, T-Mac, who is currently out of action for the rest of the season scores a ton of points right? He’s never made it past the first round of the playoffs.
I don’t know if any one player can stop Lebron, but I do know you can slow him down and make it tough on him. (Or try your best to slow him down) The basketball world puts too much emphasis on offense and not enough on defense. It’s time players, coaches and teams focus more on defense.
“You may get into the second round (of the playoffs), but if you want to make a serious run and be a serious contender,” said Wafer, “you’ve got to be able to continue to play defense. We are trying to come together as a unit.”
Battier was able to draw two charges on James during the game which is always key. Many players refuse to draw charges. I often wonder why? Artest hounded LBJ all night. Ron-Ron looked focus. Give his boy Reggie Miller credit, Miller was in the house doing the game for TNT.
The Rockets won the game 93-74, Cleveland shot a season low 34% from the field. A lot of the credit has to go to the Rockets defense.
Offense may win games and sell tickets, but defense wins rings!
Just defend!
-Coach Finamore
Hoops135@hotmail.com
Tags: basketball, Championship, Cleveland Cavaliers, Coach Finamore, Defense, Houston Rockets, NBA, Play the Right Way, Sports
