Reggie Miller, a former NBA player known for his late-game heroics, made a questionable comment during a recent Lakers game. Miller questioned whether Anthony Davis should intentionally miss a free throw while the Lakers were leading by three points with 2.7 seconds left. This suggestion goes against the common belief that teams should always aim to go up by four points in such situations to secure a win. Even though the Pelicans had no timeouts, Miller wondered if missing the free throw would force them to go coast-to-coast in a hurry.
While discussing the possibility of intentionally missing a free throw to keep the lead at three points, Miller and TNT’s Kevin Harlan debated the implications of such a decision. They mentioned that this type of strategy is often discussed among players, but in reality, it is not a wise move. The Lakers held a narrow lead, and going up by four points would have significantly decreased the chances of a potential loss, especially since the Pelicans had no timeouts to advance the ball. It was evident that Miller’s suggestion went against the traditional late-game strategy in the NBA.
In the context of a close game with limited time left on the clock, every decision matters. Miller’s suggestion of intentionally missing a free throw to keep the lead at three points could have backfired, especially when facing a talented team like the Pelicans. Even though the idea of making things challenging for the opposing team by forcing them to go coast-to-coast off a missed shot may sound intriguing, it is not a risk worth taking in a critical game situation. In this scenario, the optimal choice for Anthony Davis was to make the free throw, secure a four-point lead, and ensure the Lakers’ victory.
The idea of intentionally missing a free throw to play the clock against the opponent is a common strategy in basketball, especially in lower-level leagues. However, in the NBA, where the players’ skills and experience are at the highest level, such a tactic is often unnecessary and could lead to unnecessary complications. With just 2.7 seconds left on the clock, every second counts, and the best course of action is to increase the lead to four points and eliminate any chance of a miraculous comeback. Miller’s commentary sparked a debate among fans and experts about the nuances of late-game scenarios in the NBA.
Ultimately, Anthony Davis made the right decision by hitting the free throw, extending the Lakers’ lead to four points, and securing the victory over the Pelicans. In a high-stakes game like the playoffs, every decision matters, and teams must make strategic choices to increase their chances of winning. While Reggie Miller’s suggestion raised eyebrows and sparked discussions, it was evident that going up by four points in the final seconds was the most logical and effective decision for the Lakers. As the team advanced to face the Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals rematch, they demonstrated why sound late-game math and strategy are crucial in determining the outcome of a game.
