There were 2 keys plays down the stretch that pretty much lost the game for us....The Pels ran a 4 out 1 in offensive set. Knox played in front of Davis in the post while Holiday had the ball at the 3 pts line. Since grade school, when coaches teach pressure man to man defense, you are taught to deny the first pass to either wing, front the post and help on the weak side of the court if you are 2 passes away. Nowadays, these athletes are so good and athletic, Dru Holiday just threw it over the top of Knox who was fronting the post for an alley oop... Robindon had the help side but didn't have one foot in the paint like he was taught because he was afraid of the 3 ball in the corner of the stretch offense....
Knox is at some fault because he didn't body up on Davis and take away his legs...this is a teachable moment during film study but some of you on this board want 19 and 20 yr old kids to play like experienced vets. Remember, Knox played one year of college ball and Robinson played HS ball and had a year off...I have remind myself that Knox is a year older than the seniors I Coach in HS!!! That's insane!! I can't imagine my girls jumping from me to the WNBA because there is so much that they still don't know about the game of basketball..
The other play that hurt us, was the next time down the floor, N. O ran the same play...4 out and 1 in...Robinson guarded Davis this time and did a better job of trying to push Davis under the basket to prevent the lob (quick learner) but, Dru Holiday pulled up and knocked in a 3 with a hand in his face. Great offensive play beat good defense by Hardaway...The game was essentially over at that point...
Again we have to remind our selves of how young these players are...yhis is not a final product, they will grow and learn as will Fiz.
