ending shot

[gene kirkpatrick]

Doc said the plan was for Pierce to drive.  Pierce acknowledged that but thought he could make an open shot.  A few problems with that:  it was a long shot and the defender was a long-armed fellow who contested it well.  Since I generally favor an open shot to driving into a crowd at a time when the officials are loathe to call a foul, I can't criticize Pierce's decision.  But it seemed to be the last little thing that added up to a defeat.  Tony missed a layup.  Rondo missed two foul shots after his amazing shooting display.  We caught up but lacked the consistency to put it away.
   
  I was glad to see Perk on Howard and think he did a pretty good job; Howard is improving rapidly.  I thought our help defense was slow in helping Perk and Rondo.  Many points can penetrate but they shouldn't get to the goal.  On that subject, Rondo needs lessons in focusing on the man in front of him.  He's too agile not to develop better on-ball defense.
   
  The early scoring from Dr. House and Posey have faded a bit.  Add that to the low percentage by R. Allen and we rely too much on Pierce and Garnett.
   
  I vote for a practice where we, at least, walk through the offensive options and let the GPA rest as needed.  The entire squad needs focus, and the young ones need to work.  Cheers, Gene

       
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