JamFan- It's time to play, "You're the Coach!" I have been one to complement Coach Dunleavy on nights when he, as well as the team, are firing on all cylinders. But some nights the team isn't going well. Like last night, when the team was shooting 33% from the floor and a one of his starters is actually stinking the place up. The good news is the Spurs weren't lighting it up either and Duncan was 1 for 11 from the free throw line. But in the end with 17 seconds to go, a timeout is called, the Clippers were on defense, and they are up by 2 points poised to win from the Champs on their floor.
So you are now the Coach. In that time out what do you tell the team to do?
1- Play tough straight up defense and force them to take a difficult shot, even foul them while shooting because the refs eat their whistles in the waning moments. Let the clock run out.
2- If Tim Duncan touches the ball, intentionally foul him (refs call those), stop the clock, and send the MVP to the line with a chance to tie the game.
I don't know what decision you would make (comments are requested), but Coach Dunleavy reportedly told his team to take option 2. He must have been in a coma and forgot he was ahead by 2 not behind by 2. You only go for option 2 if you are behind. Moreover, EB fouled a BIG, 35 ft from the basket with 12 seconds remaining. With the clock now stopped, the MVP goes to the line, hits 2 free throws, ties the game, and the Clippers lose in overtime.
On a bad night, the team still won the game in regulation. The Coach lost the game soon after temporariily losing his mind. JamFan
