Chandler Parsons Didn’t Take A Bad Last Shot For Dallas Mavericks
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA is back and nobody is more excited than I am.
The Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs matchup was a good one that I figured would go down the wire. I picked the Mavericks as my surprise team to win the championship, so I wasn’t too surprised when they were up at the half. They pretty much dominated the first half and really actually missed quite a few easy opportunities early on by Chandler Parsons and Dirk Nowitzki.
But what I want to focus on specifically is the last shot by Parsons. A lot of naysayers shake their head and have doubted whether Parsons made the right decision to shoot at the end of regulation.
Allow me to explain why I think he did.
Parsons hadn’t had a very good offensive night. Shooting 2-for-10 from the field is not very good, and he was also 1-for-4 from three-point range, which doesn’t bode too well for his confidence. However, he is a career 37 percent shooter from three-point range and had one of two options: After he received a pass for Devin Harris, he could have passed the ball directly to Monta Ellis with three seconds left on the clock, but think about it; Ellis is a 31 percent career three-point shooter. He is not a particularly talented shooter, and once Ellis would have caught the ball, at least a second or a second and a half would have gone off the clock, leaving no time at all for an offensive rebound. The other option is that he could take the shot, and even though he is a few steps away from the line, he is a 37 percent shooter from the three-point distance. He also is 6-foot-9 and is like Nowitzki in the sense that he can shoot over a lot of defenders.
The other issue with Ellis shooting the basketball is that he is also a few steps behind the three-point line. Go watch the video again. So who has the advantage in that situation?
Christopher Cruz is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @_chris_cruz, or add him to your network on Google.
Trail Blazers vs. Lakers Preview
The Portland Trail Blazers look to continue with their winning ways against the Los Angeles Lakers. Find out how the game will play out. Read More
Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks Preview
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference will square off when the Washington Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks. Find out how things will play out. Read More
76ers Becoming A Likable Cast of Characters
The Philadelphia 76ers' young roster has often been scrutinized because of Sam Hinkie and the team’s front office. But after their most recent stretch of wins, they are becoming a very likable cast. Read More
Oklahoma City: 5 Players Team Should Target
Approaching the March 1 NBA trade deadline, the Oklahoma City Thunder should target these five players. Read More
Boston Celtics: 5 Trades Team Should Make
The Boston Celtics should make these five trades to expedite the rebuilding process. Read More
Kobe Bryant Does Not Care About Lakers
Kobe Bryant choosing to continuously sit out shows that he is done with the Los Angeles Lakers organization. Read More
Sixers Should Not Trade Tony Wroten
The Philadelphia 76ers do not have many must-keep guys, but Tony Wroten, despite interest from the Los Angeles Clippers, is certainly one of them. Here’s why. Read More
Despite Win, Lowry's All-Star Fate Takes Hit
The recent struggles of the Toronto Raptors appear to have dented Kyle Lowry's chances of starting in this year's NBA All-Star game Read More
5 Players Warriors Should Target Before Deadline
The Warriors are 29-5, but in the incredibly competitive Western Conference, you always need to look for ways to improve. Read More
Dwyane Wade Shouldn't Lead Heat In Scoring
Everyone said Dwyane Wade was on his last legs, but the veteran currently leads the Miami Heat in scoring, even ahead of Chris Bosh. However, the Heat star should not be the high scorer. Read More
Whitesde Could Become Heat's Starting Center
The Miami Heat need to reevaluate their starting center position, and Hassan Whiteside is clearly the best option going forward. See why here. Read More
Examining Why Pistons Should Give Monroe Max Deal
Why must the Detroit Pistons offer Greg Monroe the max this offseason if they want to hang on to him? Find out here. Read More