Tip-In: Coaching 101

I agree about Ford. When he came in with under 1 min left I was perplexed. Then yet again at the end of games the Raps run the same play which never seems to work. This would have been a huge win. Too bad.

I am at a loss once again. Same play as always then a 3 ball from TJ.
I threw the remote at the TV.

I knew the play (DUH!!!) as soon as Sam put TJ in, ebven though he was cold.

Where is the verteran leadership from Bosh, Rasho and Martin. Someone has got to say, "Hey Coach. I think they have seen the tapes, can we try something different."

Right now, any opponent that the Raps play in the in the post-season are praying that they are up by 1 with time running out.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Good post as always. I had the same thought when I saw the play. How can you bring in a player who has been sitting forever and ask him to make a shot? Even if he made the shot, that was a terrible play. You are on the road with 26 seconds left and down by 1, what are you doing taking a shot with 20 seconds left? Don't you think Miami will have enough time to win this game? I really thought they would run the clock down to about 6 seconds (4 on the shot clock) and then try to get something done.

What is it about the road that brings our offence to a halt? Does Dave Hoopla not travel with the team?

I am not too worried about the last play. TJ was able to create a shot (which Calderon may not have with the Heat press) and the shot looked pretty good in the arc. It just didn't happen tonite, thats all. C'mon guys, you can't expect a miracle every freaking time!

Miracle? It would take a miracle for Sam to come up with a play that worked in the dying moments of the game. Mo's shot was luck, pure and simple; that wiz guy should just have held onto the ball.

TJ coming off the bench...sheesh. When TO has a lead, we can hold on. When we are fighting back, rally-killing strategy is sure to follow.

That's why I said the playoffs will expose the faults: games are bound to be closer in score, and the teams are closer in skill level too. What it boils down to in the playoffs is desire, stamina, b-ball smarts, and coaching X 2.

Right now, TO wants it, but they don't know how to get there!

"We got the ball to the people we want to get the ball to and sometimes you win them and sometimes you come up short," Toronto coach Sam Mitchell said.

OK, here you have it from the horse's mouth. TJ's shot was not a bone-head run-look-around-no-one-there-better-shoot option. He WAS the option.

Why? Why?

Sam, can you explain this?

AP, CB, Luke, Mo, almost anyone not named TJ. Why?

Yeah, we will win the division, because no other team wants it in the Titanic, it seems. But first round, hard for me to see us as nothing more than one-and-done, if we don't come up with better late-game options.

Mitchell said he has "no idea" how players who have never appeared in the playoffs, such as all-star Chris Bosh and Anthony Parker, will react, but is confident they will play well.

"The only way to learn is by being there," Mitchell said.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Basketball/NBA/Toronto/2007/04/03/3906155-sun.html

Yup, that pretty much sums up what Smitch's coaching game is: play and see what happens. You don't actually TEACH an offense or a defense; teach endurance, teach options, teach shooting, do confidence-building programs. Stuff like that "just happens."

Groan. The core BC built got us this far. With good coaching next year, the Raps could win the conference; seriously. But NOT with smitch as coach...

Bang on analysis - i'm in complete agreement.

When we have luke jackson (who shot the ball well), AP, and MoPete on the floor, why not run a play to get one of them the ball and a shot?

Also, calderon hit a 3pointer a couple minutes earlier. Why not have him in there?

Mitchell....

Yeah, I'm with your assessment, but at the same time, I'm also just miffed at TJ Ford's inability to judge his own game. I mean, going INTO those last plays, he was what... 2-11? He should know better than to try for those kinds of shots. His overconfidence in his own ability is what gets him into trouble a lot of times. Whether it's driving to the basket against every shot blocker, or playing the two man game with him and Bosh constantly.

And yes, Sam's substitutions have always driven me crazy. It's the one real knock I've ever had with him as a coach, as he trusts his players TOO much, and doesn't substitute for the situation enough.

I would agree entirely to what you wrote with the caveat that Smitch did not necessarily wanted TJ to finish himself, you can also get the defense on you to reopen to one of the countless shooters this team has.... but of course you need a playmaker for having this kind of bright ideas and as good as he is, TJ is not a play, he does not have the inclination to do that and he would pass the ball just if his primary guy (himself) had no chance at all. In this respect he is just a bit better than Briant who is making stellar performances for himself bu trashing the Laker's season

Ok...I think I've FINALLY calmed down from the loss. Yes the Raptors were horrid from the floor and therefore indeed it was "one of those nights" in that respect. Without Humphries and Bosh this wouldn't have been close.

NOW...the Raptors did do enough with Calderon at the helm to still have a shot to win the game before everything went out the window with under 45 seconds left.

Now, I don't mind the TJ isolation play...at the right time. Every team in the league runs an iso with the clock down, especially if they have a point-guard who can create off the dribble and get into the lane and find open shooters. Phoenix does it with Nash, Detroit does it with Billups, hell, even Orlando does it with Nelson. The problem I have is:

a) why they tried to run an iso with a almost a full shot-clock left and

b) why TJ decided after sitting for so long and shooting terribly all night, that his offence was the best option first and foremost.

And it's not helping that Bosh said this after the game:

"That’s what T.J.’s job is. In the last seconds, he’s our best guy off the dribble and we ask him to make plays," said Bosh.

"The first thing I told him was, `You can’t worry about it. You got two good looks. You just missed the shots. If it happens all over again, you’re going to have to do it again, so get your head up.’ "

And it's great for Sam Mitchell to say post-game that it was great to see his team stay in a game where they shot terribly...but the point isn't to stay in the games but to win!

If you're going with TJ then he better get to the rim or find open shooters, plain and simple. Calderon was even hitting from long distance so TJ jacking it up while fading away, TWICE, is inexcusable...

I didn't mind TJ driving on the iso play against Washington because he at least got to the rim. This settling for a jumper after sitting on the bench for so long mentality needs to change no matter what Bosh or Sam Mitchell say.

Also, I had to feel for Mo Pete last night. He wasn't terrible, wasn't great, but also didn't get much chance to play. I know the team's got injuries but the rotation was so "let's try this guy now" last night that it seemed like everyone was having a tough time getting into a rhythm, even the normally solid AP. I'm starting to think the Raps should have traded Peterson before the deadline...love the guy but he's not getting much chance to play and looking more and more like even Luke Jackson will get more minutes down the stretch...

Finally, a shout out to the Toronto media after the game for proving that they should be following hockey EXCLUSIVELY. At one point in the post-game scrum with Sam, various media members were arguing amongst each other as to when Luke Jackson's 10 DAY CONTRACT expires. Yes, 10 Day guys...as in "count back to what day Jackson was signed on and see how many days have elapsed in order to determine when his contract expires..."

Unbelievable.

Do you guys think TJ would still be starting now if not for his big contract and being an strategic signing by BC? Think for a second they're the same age and they have the same contract conditions, would you start him or Jose?

I think Jose is a better PG for this kind of team, but even if you think TJ is a better player, would you not try starting Jose a few games in order to put pressure on TJ to react and perform better?

TJ's the starter and better player. Calderson is great off the bench but everyone loves the backup qb (in this case pg). TJ had an off night which is why Sam needed to draw something else up.

yeah, I'm with you guys. I think I've calmed a little myself.

I think we can all agree that there is an issue here. is tj better at getting to the rim than jose? yes. does he make better desicions once he gets there? I don't think so.

the thing is this: that last play, in isolation, was fine. he got rid of his man, had a clean look at the basket, but didn't make it. fine.

but there was 45 seconds left!

also, what hasn't really been discussed, is what jose was doing to get them back in the game, which was finding the real franchise player - bosh - and getting him the ball. he was literally doing circles around himself to try and get him the ball. and it worked. bosh was making the right plays out of the doubles or taking it to the line. why sam decided to get away from that is a mystery to me.

and that's the real problem I have.

I would loved to have heard what Mitchell said to Calderon when taking him out with under a minute left.

I don't think the play was all that bad I think TJ being in the game at that time after sitting was the error of the situation. Jose should of finished the game it was His to win or lose at that point.

Wasn't if funny though when Jackson ran into Shaq's elbow ... oh man ... that would have killed me.

Did LJ do enough to stay with this team? Do they need him if Bargnani is coming back?

As a side note: Raptors Dance Pak squeeked by the Pacemates 51% to 49% to advance to the Elite 8 ;) Next up Charlotte or Detroit!

Franchise & Howland: I usually agree with you guys but I think you're totally off today. This game was all about trust and Sam Mitchell showing his guys that he trusted them.

You hear it all the time from Chuck, Jack, Leo and opposing coaches. Toronto plays a simple game. Pass the ball and trust your teammates to make shots. Sam has trusted TJ many times this year and it's worked. TJ had two open looks and he missed the shots. It happens. I'd rather have a mediocre shooter with an open look than a good player with a bad look, and that's what would have happened if they'd dumped the ball into Bosh. Toronto will never get the benefit of the doubt from the refs while playing Miami.

I was actually impressed with Mitchell last night. And I am the only one I think.

What, no comments about Joey? What the hell was he thinking when he rebounded the ball and, instead of trying to throw the ball off a defender (or just call a timeout) he slowly fell out of bounds for a turnover. This guy has to be the stupidest player ever. If I were Mitchell, I wouldn't let Joey see minute one come playoff time--what a useless piece of garbage.

Oh yeah, and the Ford thing--I have no problem with the shot, my problem is with the play itself. Why run a play in the last 30 secs. that has only one option??? If they had quadruple-teamed TJ I honestly believe he would have shot it anyway.

We're in the playoffs, we're in the playoffs . . . just keep telling yourself that. It was a good year and hopefully we can win one or two before being bounced.

MazelTov I think you are. I see your point, BUT, what about the lack of trust in Jose in benching him, when he's the man who brought us back.

So let’s break this down:

Mitchell

Let’s lay blame where the blame belongs, Mitchell. This has nothing to do with Ford. Did he have an off night? Yes. But Calderon’s 2 of 6 shooting and 2 assists in 19 minutes wasn’t saving the day. We kept it close in spite of Calderon, not because of him. Ford has clearly been the better point guard down the stretch.

The problem was a familiar one. Sam waiting too long to substitute the right players in. It was the right move to bring TJ in, but not with under a minute left in the game. Of course he was going to be cold for the first few plays, but there were only a few plays left in the game. Sam did the same with CB4 a couple of months back that cost us a game. He needs to have the right players in the game and in the flow for the end.

I also thought that Sam took too long to find the right combination of guys that were effective. I didn’t understand why Dixon was back on the floor when he clearly wasn’t effective the first half. After he wasn’t getting it together in the second half again, I would have yanked him. And I say this with Dixon in my lineup in my fantasy pool last night.

Ford

I had no problem with him talking the last shot of the game. AP had a terrible night shooting (4-12), Mo Pete really hasn’t hit any big shots (aside from a prayer) for us for a while and Jackson was really in his first game as a Rap. Ford taking that shot was probably the right call.

I did have a problem with Ford taking the shot with 20 seconds left (2nd last shot). But again, that wasn’t his fault. The coach said, "TJ, you drive to the hole and make sure you leave plenty of time for Miami to run their offence." It was not TJ’s place to say no, I will not take the shot. That’s what the coaches are paid to decide.

Let’s just stop the debate, Ford is the better player and our starter. If BC didn’t agree, you know it would have changed by now.

Jackson

Very impressive young man. We may have a huge steal in him.

Bosh

I knew this was going to be a long night when Bosh made a couple of outside jumpers early in the game. When this happens, he rarely goes inside. Look at every game, it’s the same pattern. If he starts from the outside and makes some of his shots, he rarely goes back inside. The same was true last night. It wasn’t till 1:30 left in the first half that Chris actually drove hard to the basket and get a foul for his efforts. This is why we were down big in the first half. We can’t be successful without an inside presence. If Bosh wants to play the 3, that’s fine, we need to find a PF in the offseason. Otherwise, get yourself under the rim and play close to the damn basket! He did do a little better job in the second half, but how do you have O’Neal with only 1 foul?

I know this is just one game, but it was a huge game. If you look at our schedule and Miami’s schedule down the stretch, things are looking great for Miami to take over 3rd which guarantees us a first round match up of Chicago on the road. Had we won last night’s game, we would have been up 3 games on Miami with the tie breaker which would have been the equivalent of 4 games. That would have been an insurmountable lead and a first round match up with Washington at home. One bad call by Mitchell changed everything.

mazeltov - finally some sanity!! who else takes the shot? you've got some of the best (and tallest) perimeter defenders in the league out there. It was smart of mitchell to know they would play mo, ap, and jackson super tight since they (heat)wouldn't mind giving up a two pointer. So mitchell's options are bosh, ford or calderon for a three pointer, period. I'd just as soon have seen bosh or calderon take it, but I don't think that would necessarily have won it for us.

Face it, miami owned the paint in that second quarter and we never recovered. Also our defense was bad, barely a steal, and not charge drawn the whole game (although rasho deserved one there).

Also that second last play, predictable, sure, but he had a good look, miami didn't help, so ford had no choice but to shoot and it was in the cylinder. It's not like he badly missed either shot.

I'm not even a mitchell supporter and would have just as soon seen an iso for bosh, but he had haslem on him, so no guarantees. You also can't knock mitchell for being confident in his players. I think when coaches do that (rather than looking for a scapegoat) it pays of in the long run.

We made a run at the champs, on their court, we had to do a things differently (notice closing out on dixon and help on ford in the paint) than when we played miami last (perfect time to play luke, btw) and we had a chance to tie at the end - could be worse. that's what I saw anyways.

jose's numbers don't show how he got the ball to chris repeatedly down the stretch, where bosh got himself to the stripe more than a few times.

and this isn't a debate about who's the better player - tj or jose - who cares. they're both with the team, and they're both great. it's just a matter of who was having a better night. which sam loves to repeat feverishly. and I think it's pretty clear jose was having the better night. period.

also wanted to laud LJ's decsion making with the ball. excllent passes and the dunk at the end were pleasant surprises.

I wonder if we could transplant his brain into JG...

I have nightmares of TJ in the playoffs... Mark my words - if it's game 7 of the playoffs and there's 10 seconds left in the game, TJ and his overconfidence will try to be the hero... and the Raptors will live or die by the outcome.

It's one thing for Mitchell to trust his players, it's another to keep trusting them when they're not performing.

That's why I just don't get re-inserting Ford for the final plays. It's not like the Clippers game back in December when Ford struggled early with his shooting but stil got everyone else involved and then hit the game winner as the Clippers were so busy trying to contain everyone else. I think all of us want TJ to be successful, it's just agonizing to watch these late game situations sometimes. I mean, has there really been that much of a difference between Ford and Mike James last year?

I don't know about ya'll but i cant wait for the Joey Graham experiment to be over. Last night he was terrible. Seems like if he hits a shot or makes a good play right away, he plays well. If not he does things like fall out of bounds with rebounds

Don't even talk to me about T.J. Ford. I can't stand that kid, and last night was a perfect example why. Offense gets so stagnant with him in the game. All he does is jack up bad shots and drives blindly toward the basket. No wonder he's missed more layups than I care to remember.

Ever notice when T.J.'s horrid shot selection? He basically has 3 shots.

1) Coming down the court and shooting before looking to pass to anybody.

2) Driving head first towards the rim and throwing up a prayer.

3) Over dribbling at the end of the shot clock and jacking up a prayer.

Thats all he's got. If the shot is falling, he scores a few points, but he forces everything and when the shot is not falling he's got nothing.

Calderon, on the other hand, makes smart plays and even if his shot is not falling he still keeps the offense fluid and makes SMART plays.

Man, this thing with T.J. has been building up inside of me and last night I reached a boiling point. I was sooo frigging upset after last night game. T.J. comes into the game after Calderon brought them all the way back, wtf??

Then he throws 2 bricks and we loose...Its not him missing that I mind. Its the fact that T.J. was playing when Calderon is 100x better player and a P.G.

And people are beginning to notice this too. I hear Leo and Jack say more and more about T.J. forcing things a bit too much. If we're lucky, we'll get rid of him before next season, or at least play him of the bench!!

franchise, I think the obvious difference between mike and tj is that tj is able to take his family to the bahamas on vacation. outside of that, the late game heroics are eeirly similar.

but seriously, the kid is good - he just makes bad desicions. he's young, so I'm sure he'll learn. but I think sam and the coaching staff are to blame too, though. they've given him the keys and allowed him to run wild. sam doesn't seem to punish him the way he does everybody else. whether tj has had a crap game or not, he always gets to come back in to finish the game.

I really don't think he's being fair to either ford or calderon.

you have to wonder what's going through calderon's head, and whether this kind of stuff isn't going to eventually takes its toll on him when it's time to re-sign.

I agree with your observation. anoother thing that bugs me we are down 1 we have the ball about 30 seconds leftm why did TJ not use the clock and take a shot way down to the shot clock.

I have never met a set of fans like yous, no matter what is going on with the Raptors you guys complain you are just a bunch of insecure fans, I can read on this site and enjoy so much negitive writing

I try to give Sam some credit. I really do. And just as I was starting to soften my stance (at least until the playoffs), he totally pissed me off. I agree with pretty much everything said about the last 26 seconds of the game. I remember thinking that we had a pretty good chance, because Calderon was in the game so he couldn't call the same predictable TJ Ford isolation play. But, to my horror, he subs in a cold TJ and calls the most anti-climactic set play in NBA history. As frustrated as I was with Ford for jacking up a shot so early in the shot clock, the coach should've recognized what he plays like. What was even worse than that? The play right after when we could've brought the game into overtime with a 3. Why was TJ (a poor 3 pt. shooter) in the game when we needed a long-range shot? Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Mitchell's probably the only "Coach of the Year candidate" who's actually cost his team games.

TJ iso is a good play - he hits a good percentage of those, and can get his own shot off quickly ... an important consideration since we wanted to go 2 for 1.

TJ jacking the 3? Well, someone had too, and b/c Miami obviously had to play him for the pass to one of our 'shooters' he had a good look. Hell, he almost hit it. Bad coaching? Whatever.

You were all singing the praises the game before when Mo Pete, as cold as you could get, sank the winner.
Bunch of Monday morning quarterbacks