It’s because ‘SSS’ was in play … again.
Recently, I read an article about NBA’s reopening. The Trail Blazers’ Terry Stotts said that he’d likely go with an eight-man rotation. Something inside me shuddered as I had that sinking feeling: this is the beginning of the end for the Blazers.
SSS was creeping up again. It’s ‘Stotts Sphincter Syndrome.’ When under stress, Stotts unconsciously becomes restrictive, defensive, and plays not to lose.
It’s a theme that has characterized Stotts’ tenure as head coach. The Blazers get way behind and then work their butts off to nearly catch up, only to lose in the end. Yes, it’s a noble effort, but repeated games like that take a toll on the body, tires the team, and has an impact on the group psyche.
Terry Stotts (photo, SI.com)
The Blazers are at their best when Stotts’ releases the reins and lets players play. I know it’s common practice across the league to go with a tested rotation when the going gets rough. But doing so also says, “I don’t trust my bench.” Imagine what that does to the psyche of young players, especially.
It’s common knowledge that the Blazers don’t have much depth. Imagine the valuable experience that could have been gained had bench players gotten into games and played more extensively.
If I had a couple of supercomputers and a lot of time, I might find a numerological trend and explanation for what Stotts does. But what I know for sure is what I see with my eyes.
And it happened again on Sunday. The Celtics stormed out to a 67-48 halftime lead. The Blazers came back–outscoring Boston by 15 points in the second half–but lost the game by four.
In the second quarter, I sensed SSS was in play, once again, so I turned off the telly after getting the feeling that (if this continues), the season is over. It’s was another example of ‘Close, but no Cigar.”
I hope I am overreacting. But ….
