The No Excuses Denver Nuggets Lose to the San Antonio Spurs 121-97
Salt in the Wound and Passing the Buck
Foremost, a coach should not blame players for not having what it takes under certain conditions to prevail. This is called rubbing salt in the wound, passing the buck, or not accepting responsibility. The coach’s job is to be prepared and inspire his players.
“Same story, every time we play this team. Starting group in the third quarter was awful. I realize they (San Antonio) are a very good team… I realize it’s our 4th game in 5 nights, but if you really want to be a playoff team, those are all excuses.“ …Denver Coach Malone.
He’s right, but is he real?
If a player does the best he can under the conditions, and falls short, should he be told he failed and is a disappointment? What would a player or team be thinking about that coach or his position as he goes to sleep? Hopefully he would think to do better, but possibly, he could let me out of here or, you try it coach.
This is what should be addressed by Coach Malone after the game.
The team should not hear about how they can’t play defense. They will then identify with not playing defense.
When they do play good defense, he should stress to the team what specifically they were doing well, to model that initiative.
They should hear that he was concerned about the minutes and safety of the team, that he knew some of them gave their all, that he appreciated the freshness of the reserves, but that he will take responsibility to make sure that they play better in the next similar circumstance.
It is his job to prepare the team, but the player’s job to take care of themselves and be as ready as they can be from the first moment, and to not compromise even one possession.
They do not want to watch each other in a review and say they did not have their hands up or did not make a good quick pass to help a teammate. Use peer pressure.
This game they knew they didn’t meet expectations. Rub it in?
Maybe this management philosophy will not work with these young millionaires. Maybe it needs to be all business, X-Style management. Play and win or you’re fired.
Or maybe the secret is somewhere in between for this Denver squad. In any case, it is the coach’s responsibility to prepare the team for the conditions at hand, and inspire them to do the best they can.
Oh, and do not pass the buck.