KAC Thunder: Post-game

Well, I'm still happy about the way you guys never gave up and kept fighting — together as one team. I'll never forget it. We were down 17 and when I told you we could chip away over time and get the lead, apparently you believed me. You came all the way back and took a 32-31 lead. Of course, it would've been great to just win this final game and finish in first place outright, but I'm pleased with our hustle.

Do we still have room for improvement? Of course. Even pros work hard every day on the little things.

1. Defensively, we need to get smarter. When a shooter on the other team hits a 3, we have to be much more aware of him on the next possession, and the next. There were at least two instances when we let the same shooter get wide open for a back-to-back 3-pointer. This is the kind of experience that will stick. You guys will learn to shut down that shooter.

2. Moving the ball and passing as a team really got better today, but only after we were down 24-7. Once we started hitting that high post and finding open teammates down low, the game became much, much easier. Coming back to take a 32-31 lead was both electrifying and stunning.

3. Free throws. We've struggled all season no matter what we do at practice. Today, it really hurt us. We were 8-for-29 at the foul line. All due respect to the Rockets, but we cannot miss 21 free-throw attempts and win games. That's why I hope everyone hits the park and gym during this break with a goal of making 50 free throws each day.

Above right, notice Mark Price (one of the best free-throw shooters in NBA history) and the way he places his right index finger (shooting hand) over the middle of the ball.

I don't suggest rushing, but Steve Nash uses perfect form, leg push (and toe extension lifting the heels) and a high, straight follow-through on every shot, making 21 in a row in 60 seconds (see video below).

If we do play again on Aug. 15 for the KAC championship, I expect each of us to shoot far, far better at the free throw line. That will continue on into the CAL league and/or any other league we're in this fall.

It all comes down to how much you want to get better — commitment. I like players who really want to commit to excellence and daily improvement. Otherwise, it just isn't worth the time. You either love the game or you don't. Simple as that. I think each of us loves the game. Am I wrong?







Here's former NBA sharpshooter Dell Curry, father of Golden State guard Stephen Curry.