The basketball world prepared itself for what it called ?the clash of titans? when LeBron James and Kevin Durant went head-to-head for the first time after five years. All was set for the scene; charged- up as these legendary generations got ready to re-write the script of a fierce match.
The first three quarters saw Kevin Durant dominate in a thrilling game of his basketball prowess. He seemed like he had to be pushing the Phoenix Suns team to victory against the LA Lakers on his own. Nonetheless, the seasoned veteran, Lebron James, was ready to show that basketball is a team game and sometimes a gang beats a single man of genius.
Coach Ham and his prudence
At the commencement of the game, as the stakes increased, it turned out to be Coach Darvin Ham?s tactics that dominated. Durant?s brilliance became too obvious but with just 5 minutes remaining, the Nets could not win the game with his superhuman efforts alone. LeBron James and the rest of the Lakers saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of the flaws in their defense.
It was a crucial decision on the part of Coach Ham. He decided to call off his intended season plan and took a timeout with only 49 seconds remaining. Fans all over the world expected this decision mixed with anxiety.
After the game, LeBron James spoke highly about Coach Ham?s wisdom. Coach Ham has always had a plan. James could restore his energy and regain composure during the timeout. In addition, it afforded every member of the Lakers team the opportunity to compose themselves to face the upcoming critical periods.
As per King James, Coach H was okay with that. He continues, “He was left with 3 timeouts, which he utilized well. So to use those wisely to get myself rest. I would have a chance to catch my breath and the players a little recess. It was really refreshing to have very few minutes played in the third quarter and not feel all tired by the time it?s the fourth quarter. I had to be there since, as a coach, he trusted me”.
Coach Ham?s retraction of the initially adopted strategy demonstrated his capability to adjust to the fluctuating flow of the game. This ultimately gave LeBron James and the Lakers the opportunity to seize victory from the jaws of defeat.
Game?s Turning point
LeBron James gave the Lakers fresh legs and new motivation to win in the last minutes of the game. In crunch time, the Lakers executed flawless plays, displaying that teamwork and experience count.
When the final buzzer rang, it was apparent that Coach Darvin Ham?s decision was a game-changer. The basketball world echoed LeBron?s compliments towards his ?wise? coach. Winning proved the importance of a coach who can adjust and make the right decisions under high pressure.
This game showed that, in a sport of a typically individualistic kind, even the most brilliant stars need the wisdom of a coach and team strategy. The confrontation between LeBron and Durant should remind everyone about the power of teamwork and the coach?s brain.
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In effect, Coach Ham?s decision to call timeout after the abandonment of the original plan provided the turning point for the LA Lakers, who won a 100-95 match against the Phoenix Suns.