"When we're not completely engaged for whatever reason, we're just not good. When we're completely engaged, we're a good basketball team. When we're not, we're not even close to being able to compete with anybody..."-Celtics coach Brad Stevens.
So true, for both teams today. A function of living in Middlesbrough? Do people not get engaged in Middlesbrough? They don't play defense in Middlesbrough, that's for sure. Not playing D lands you in Middlesbrough. It's like putting a down payment on a house on 6th or 7th or 8th street.
Spo said of the "Heat" first half: "The menu was diverse and a lot of guys felt like they were in rhythm and involved. That's when we're at our best. When there's a lot of different threats."
"That's when we're at our best" offensively. When this new team started playing before the COVID suspension last season, I didn't know how they could be beaten. I analogized it to fighting conventional war against an opponent with a guerrilla band of snipers. You stop Jimmy from penetrating, he kicks it out to Duncan or Tyler and barrang! you're shot through the head. But today was not the Culture at their best. The Culture is all about defense, first, second, and last. Those were the Miami "Floridians" or something out there today.
