No defense No Win,thats a "law" in basketball... most players in Europe show respect to it:) (in later years in NBA too). I mean, most European teams do play defensively, unlike NBA.
We seen otherwise of course, the recent example of USA game with Spain in the final of Olympics 2008. The spanish coach, after he was convinced his team cannot do much just with good use of defense (cause of difference in physical power being greater in the US team), he went straight for an open offensive game attitude, just like an NBA team would. A wise decision-bet that almost would work up to winning the game (and make THE surprise of basketball olympics). This offensive tactic is mostly good for us, when we know the opponent will play an offensive game and maybe, on top of that, when the opponent has physically stronger players (stamina and jump in Dreamteam's case). You cannot win a game playing defensively against such players.
Many european national teams make it to the top in the league by playing offensively while defending. One of them is Greece. Coach Panagiotis Giannakis for years now has implemented exactly this 'system'. So what he does is picking players who are in general as Offensive as possible, and puts them play good defense, and then these players play a game of a as close-knit team as possible, not allowing anyone to be selfish or a 'star' of the team. So Greece is keeping itself high in world and european championships for 10 years now.
I took a look on Germany's statistics to see what is this team's defence/offence rating, (Germany has long since, in 1993, been a euro championship but cant do better since, altho its roster and talent arent bad and they even have 2 NBA stars with them).
Germany-Greece
My comment is that Germany has a problem with circulation of the ball (paces), and had fewer rebounds, which means fewer offenses for Germany, and the very strange fact that Nowitzki had only 3 rebound and no defensive reb:/
Germany-Spain
Here one can see that again circulation of the ball was the problem (many turnovers), only 4 rebs and 3 steals and Nowitzki with height 7.0' only 4 defensive reb and 1 offensive reb?
Germany-China
Here the turnover was 14!, tragic field goal (29) and Nowitzki who wanted to compete Yao Ming in rebounds (17, here only Dirk remembered to rebound??) brought again a defeated game for German team.
Finally, as we saw statistically, Germany's team cant work defensively and even more make what i call offensive (aggressive) defense. A team without good percentage in rebound (and with Nowitzki), and without good circulation of the ball (pacing), with considerable turnover, and a team which in Offense expects everything from Dirk, except is some occasions when some other shooters are 'in their best form' but usually its Dirk the one who has to do most work (and that is not a teamwork game). Its sad that a player like Dirk is only used in Offense and cant do much in defense. That is why they got Kaman this year, to balance offense and defense among the two. But they forgot something very basic, its more of a teamwork (with the big stars) that wins game than just the big stars alone.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Edward Porter
Joined: 28 Jul 2008
Posts: 26
PostPosted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 11:24 pm Post subject: Reply with quote
No defense no win is sometimes ok but when a great defensive team make good stops and still loose by a buzzer beater or a great play can cause defense to look broken down so a attackting offensive team is very hard to stop. If they are shooting over 50% from the field and droping threes will make it a long day for the defense
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Johnny Ling
Joined: 31 Jul 2008
Posts: 27
PostPosted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:10 am Post subject: Reply with quote
I can see where Zenon is coming from. After all, the motto "defense wins championships" would not be one if it were not true.
Edward, you also have a great point. An attacking offense is a great way to break down the defense and a attacking offense will win games for a team, but not a championship. When I think of attacking offenses I think of the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors primarily. They do very well during the season but when it comes down to playoff time where most team clamp it down on defense, Phoenix and the Warriors do not make it very far.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Alvin Sims
Joined: 28 Jul 2008
Posts: 26
PostPosted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:00 am Post subject: Europe Reply with quote
I agree there is more of a team defense in europe. They don't have the same rules as the NBA they are allowed to play free lance defense. Box and 1's, zones, and crowding the lanes are all allowed in Europe so you really can't see the true defensive stoppers like Bruce Bowen and others. Most European players aren't very good on defense they rely on help. If you take the same rules as the NBA to the Olympics they would definitely be in trouble with the one on one talents. ================================================================================ by think sport court by thinkfamilyvacation.com - A pioneer Basketball program by GM/SCOUT NBA with 4 parts= TOURIST/EDU/ART/Anti BULLYING/PRO SPORT GUIDANCE -A 7 YEARS STUDY/RESEARCH - A program [ with art social media /marketing ] which can..DOUBLE the.customers of ANY academy/ park/beach/hotel and Tourism of ANY village/island act- GET = ASK after your like in the page = https://www.thinkfamilyvacation.com/thinksportcourt #hotel #basketball #family #tourism #education #antibullying #guidance #island #village #lessons #offer #bullying
