10 Coaching Decisions To Watch During The NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs are upon us. For basketball junkies, the playoffs are a laboratory for high-level coaching.
Unlike March Madness, where you only play your opponent once, the NBA playoffs are all best-of-seven series.
This allows for numerous coaching decisions and adjustments within a series that can swing it one way or the other.
As you watch, pay attention to the following things and see how they can improve your coaching.
10 Coaching Decisions To Watch During The Playoffs
- Sideline out of bounds - The NBA is unique in terms of the quantity and quality of SLOB plays. Watch what coaches do to get players open for good shots, especially in short clock situations.
- Timeout management - Yes, the NBA has a ton of TV timeouts. But you should also pay attention to how the coaches use their timeouts at the end of games. Think about why they are using them and whether you would do the same.
- Situational subbing - Coaches do this for multiple reasons. It might be to rest a star at the end of a quarter. It might be to get a player with foul trouble off the floor. Watch for when and why they do this and see how it applies to your level.
- Game-to-game adjustments - A seven-game series allows for strategic changes. These could be tactical or lineup adjustments. Look at what changes coaches make. There's a fine line between adjusting proactively and overreacting to a single game. Look to see which coaches get it right.
- Rotation changes - There is a tradition that teams shorten their rotation in the playoffs. The plus is this keeps your best players on the floor. The minus is fatigue and the risk of fouls. Watch how coaches manage this.
- Messaging - Series can last up to 2 weeks. They have a lot of ups and downs. What messages do the coaches send to their teams and players through the media? Are they being uplifting? Are they calling them out? Which works better? Good coaches are intentional with their messages.
- Clock management - More states are adopting the shot clock. This is a huge change for high school basketball. The best coaches will adjust and use it to their advantage. NBA coaches are excellent at this. Watch how they manipulate the clock. 2-for-1s are one way. 3 or 2s are another. See how they balance the desire for more shots against the desire for good shots.
- Zone defenses - Nick Nurse famously used a box-and-1 in the 2019 Finals. The Heat's zone was a huge factor in their run to the Finals last year. How and when are teams using zone? Could you use one similarly?
- Getting their best players' shots - The NBA is a stars league. How do coaches put their best players in position to get good shots? Yes, they can just go 1-4 low. But what else do they do to put their best players in position to score at winning time?
- Defending the other team's best player - This is the flip side of #9. If coaching against Jokic, do you double team him and make him a passer or play him straight up and try to limit his teammates? Do you blitz all Damian Lillard ball screens? These are the types of defensive decisions coaches must make. Do you stay true to what you've done all year or throw a curveball?
Conclusion
The NBA playoffs are great for many reasons. You get to see the best players in the world competing at the highest level.
It's where legends are made.
While players will (rightfully) get the credit if their team wins and advances, coaches can put those players in position to win by nailing the 10 decisions above.
As you watch, enjoy the games. But study them, too! Learn from the best and make yourself a better coach for next season.
What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...
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