This Jalen shot is getting a lot of criticism. Here’s why I like it:
1. It’s our best guy in rhythm, with confidence. If we lose and he took the last shot on a clean look, it’s hard to second-guess.
2. Time and score. Down 1 with 5 seconds left your only chance for 2 scoring opportunities is a quick shot. He sees daylight and pulls. If he dribbles into a tough, contested jumper there is no second opportunity and it’s a lower percentage look.
3. The Double Team. He drew 2 and pulled before they got to him. It leaves the rebounding situation at a 4-3 Knicks advantage. But even more than that…
4. Wemby’s Positioning. Brunson has Wemby all the way outside the arc and makes him irrelevant for the rebound. The 4-3 rebounding advantage becomes even bigger when your only size is out guarding the smallest guy on the court.
It’s all about percentages and opportunities.
Brunson takes a clean look (albeit deep) 3, stepping into it - I like that shot. More importantly, he takes it with 4 seconds left, leaving enough time for a second shot if they can get a rebound or a tip. Boosting their percentage of success is the double team involving Wemby outside the arc, leaving the Spurs undermanned and undersized when OG comes flying through the lane uncontested.
Go Knicks.
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