The real problem

[Mike Dynon <mdynon@ix.netcom.com>]

I don't believe for a minute that the players are tuning out Pitino. In
a postgame interview, Bowen was stunned that Willie (Pulitzer) Maye even
asked him about that possibility.

IMHO, the obvious real problem is that the press no longer works. It's
not that the team used it for 48 minutes in the past, but if they were
losing and/or struggling, they could turn up the pressure and get some
easy baskets. Also, as Heinsohn says, the press would create a "stamina
gap" that would hurt the opponent in the second half.

Now--because of too many new faces, not enough practice time, fatigue,
Walter's injuries, or whatever--the press just doesn't work (see: Cavs'
lay-up drill & Wolves' 6 turnovers). Even when the Celts play reasonable
"normal" defense, as they did last night (87 points allowed isn't bad),
they struggle offensively because they lack a half-court offense. Factor
in poor individual shooting and the "confidence crisis" and you have
another embarrassing loss.

Look at Pierce as an example. In Feb., when the team was winning and he
looked great, he had 30 steals in 11 games and was a scoring machine; in
March, he has 16 steals in 12 games and has been every bit the rookie.
Chicken or egg? Has PP's reduced production hurt the press, or has the
failure of the press limited his opportunities? Either way, his points
are down and the losses have mounted.

In lieu of fixing the press, some changes MUST be made in offensive
plays and patterns.
--
Mike Dynon
North Kingstown, RI