That's right. It's taken a few (actually several) games, but we, the Thunder, are starting to look more and more like a fluid, efficient, aggressive basketball team. I see this when all five guys on the court are working as ONE on defense and offense. When bodies are flying to the ball on the ground, in the air, on missed shots. When shooters step up and knock down shots without hesitation. When slashers drive and find open teammates under the basket.
It's coming along. We're not perfect yet, though. Too many times, we reach instead of moving our feet on the press, then jog back on defense instead of chasing that ball. Way too many times. Are we out of shape? Maybe. Probably. We haven't had a full team practice (everyone), so we haven't done any conditioning. Do you guys want to win games? Conditioning is a huge part of that, whether it comes through team practice or you taking initiative by working out — running laps, hills, stairs, lifting weights — on your own time.
In the end, what's best for the team will be best for each of us, far more than any individual goals and expectations. But more often than not, by doing what you do best, you add to what we have as a team. To me, diving for three loose balls and getting possession matters more than a dunk. Making free throws — at least 3 of every 4 tries — matters more than a fancy dribble 45 feet from the basket that resulted in nothing.
Results — real results — come from true effort and daily repetition. I saw some things out there tonight that were excellent, and I saw some mediocre things that were the exact same that I see at practice. That's why, if we have some changes tomorrow, it'll be because game time has confirmed what I saw during practice. If you practice good habits, good results follow. If you practice poor habits, it hurts the team in a game when we need you at your best, not your worst.
Basketball is such a fun game when everyone is in it together, for each other. We're getting there one day at a time. We're getting closer to becoming a good team, which means producing at a high level of intensity and concentration from the start to the finish. I see us getting there soon, whether we all focus on our strengths and 100% effort, or I may have to make some changes in our lineup and rotation.
It's not about just scoring points. It's about how well we play as a team when each of you are on the floor. Did we make a run with a certain combination? Did we fall behind with another combination? Why did it happen that way? These are the questions that each of us should ask ourselves. When you find the answers, it should help make you — all of us — better at contributing to success.
Life isn't easy sometimes, and sacrificing some of our personal goals makes us better as a team.
Which is more important to you?
I love this game. See you guys at Aiea 4:45 for warmups. Game time is 5:45. I'll be at Makiki Park 3:30 to pick up whoever needs a ride.
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