Miami is a top ten team in fast break scoring and Toronto is in the top ten of fast break scoring defense. However, during their game on March 30th 2012, the Raptors had trouble coping with the Heat’s speed and aggression, in addition to their good habits while pushing the ball.
Four Factors at the Final Four
If the four primary basketball statistics prevail (Effective Field Goal %, Turnover %, Offensive Rebounding % and Free Throw Rate), the N.C.A.A. Final will feature Kentucky defeating Kansas. By the way, the 4 Factors suggested Kansas would beat North Carolina, even before Kendall Marshall was injured.
Duke Tournament Losses
Recent Duke losses in the NCAA Tournament, from LSU in 2006 to Arizona in 2011 to Lehigh in 2012 all follow a similar narrative. Duke’s strength is their consistency but it can fail them because they have a hard time adapting to adversity.
Tournament Experience
The one factor that might trip up Kentucky’s favoured team is that they all have their sights set on other goals. They could fall victim to a squad that is more experienced and more motivated to win the tournament.
Where’s Fab Melo?
What is Syracuse missing without Fab Melo? It may be time to re-do the East Regional part of your bracket given Melo’s ineligibility.
Decisions on Defense
LeBron James passes instead of taking a shot. Any time, especially Utah, would be content for someone else on Miami to take the game winning shot instead of James. The players with the ball in crunch time must read the defense, know the situation and make good decisions.
Defending Jeremy Lin
In contrast to how Toronto defended a Jeremy Lin on February 14th, Miami caused significant problems for the Knicks point guard by blitzing New York’s ballscreens. The Knicks are running “Short” (Steve Novak is coming up behind the screen but since Lin is off-balance and unable to see the entire court, he cannot make a good pass and turns the ball over.
Linsanity in Toronto
Toronto was entirely unprepared for Jeremy Lin’s first visit to the Air Canada Centre. On the final play of the game, with the score tied and the clock winding down, Jose Calderon backs off in case Lin drives but he should note how little time is remaining. It is unlikely the Lin will make it to the rim so Calderon should play the shot. Furthermore, Toronto did not demonstrate good team defense. What was the plan? They would have been better to help more aggressively and force Lin to pass to a weaker shooter, such as Landry Fields or Iman …