Hoops

Maher returns to form as Sixers roll Crocs

About 5 minutes into the 3rd quarter, I was also screaming under my breath for Phil to call a time out. He did however explain upstairs after the game why he didn't until it seemed too late because that point did get raised. By calling a time out when the game was going so much against us would be like him harping at the players to pick up their game. This can sometimes be more disruptive that productive. The team was well aware of what was happening and being left on their own, they understood the situation and that they needed to do something to reverse it quickly. Luckily they did do that in the last quarter to come out 7 points ahead. I didn't agree with it because by calling a time out, he didn't necessarily have to scream at his players, but was good to stop the momentum of the opposition. But then again, he is a multi championship coach and I am not.

To answer Isaac's question yes, Smyth does leave his time out calls WAY too late. Remember a game a couple of years back (against the Crocs) when we blew a 15 point with three minutes to go in the game and lost largely because he just sat there (though due credit to Charles Thomas and Jason Williams!). Last night was no different. After the Crocs scored the first seven in the third to cut the lead to 13 it should have been timeout and regroup (and Oscar and Rees in for Holmes and Cooper). Instead, he waited for a 21-3 run and then called a TO, which achieved nothing. Agreed there is not much to be done when Rillie and co are shooting like that, but surely that's one of the best times to use a time out, just to stop the momentum.

All that said, Smyth has a terrific record and really never has been the type of coach to through a lifeline timeout, prefering instead that his team plays through it. It is sometimes frustrating watching it though as Adelaide was SO OBVIOUSLY out of synch at the start of the third that a timeout was definitely required.

A good openning to the third by Adelaide and Townsville would have given up and been beaten by 30.

Thanks for all that information, I'll keep an eye out for the rocket.

In hindsight I think he should have gone for the smaller prize.

Music man, it did seem quieter last night, which was a pity given the presentation to Phil and the presence of the army, but as you said given what happened a least we had some sound and congratulations for organising it so quickly.

I find the music and entertainment to be great compared to any other sporting event I have been to. When you are used to high quality you start complaining about the little things.

I noticed that there seemed to be more balls and food given out to the crowd last night, was that a one off to make up for the speakers? I thought it was another good addition.

Also how do you get to shoot for a $6000 plasma TV?? Where do I enter for that competition?

Agree with Isaac regarding the time outs, when the opposition are on a roll, call the time out to al least stop the game and gives the guys time to re-orientate.

These 3rd quarter drop out are a concern, its like they seem to take a while to get back in the game after half time. Don;t know the answer but hope it improves.

Regarding the speakers, I sit at the end behind the opposition basket and have never heard anything clearly all season. Had no idea what Phil was presented with before the game. Are there any speakers pointing in my direction?

What can you do in 1 quarter when they shoot the lights out. Each 3 they put up they had a hand in the face and still nailed it. Rillie was shooting from way outside there is only so much you can do.
I was happy with the defensive effort in part, the high screens is my only concern, the switch is happening too slow or willie isnt working hard enough to either make the screen feel it or get around it. drop that shoulder a couple of times and make them know that their in you way if you arent gonna try and get around (even if it cost 1 or 2 fouls).
GOOD WIN, the crocs are a streaky team and i always felt they would come back just didnt hope it would be the 21 to 3 run that it was.