Three HUGE lesson learned by the Phoenix Suns in their loss to the Spurs
By Adam Maynes
Monty Williams
Monty Williams apparently drew up a play to end the game in which Devin Booker would take the ball near the top of the arc and either take a contested three or utilize a high pick.
Unfortunately the pass pulled him out very high, and in the sudden realization that he was on an island, Book improvised by thrusting up a 35-foot shot with around three seconds remaining.
Was the play Booker’s fault?
Partially, yes. He should have known that he had plenty of time to make at least one move towards the basket to create space.
But the strategy was all Monty’s.
In the future, with that much time left on the clock and a 3-point shot being a winner, Monty Williams will absolutely lean on the experiences of the Spurs loss and draw up a better play at than a simple ISO to Devin Booker.
Phoenix Suns
Sure, while everyone knew the ball was going to Book, isn’t that the very reason for it not to?
Where was the inventiveness? Where was the creativity? Where was the confusion?
Granted, it might have worked had the inbounds pass not drawn Booker out farther, but still – that kind of an error needs to be taken into consideration.
There should have been a lot more movement involved to draw San Antonio’s defense further out of place, and the ball should have been directed to go closer to the rim and not further anyway considering the little amount of time remaining on the clock.
Not to forget still: even a first-time watcher of the sport knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Booker was taking the last shot.
At least this early in his career (and honestly, never), Devin Booker will never, ever pull a Scottie Pippen and sit himself because a play had been drawn up for a teammate (in Pippen’s case, Toni Kukoč), refusing to come in deciding to instead sit on the bench.
Against San Antonio, the play could have very easily gone to Oubre, with at least the intention for a second pass (to Booker) will be made, leaving at least with enough time for Book to attempt to spring free, prior to a shot being attempted.