Count Courtney Lee among the latest NBA players to complain about opponents putting up shots in the final seconds of a decided game. On Friday night the Grizzlies laid waste to Lee’s Knicks, culminating in rookie Wade Baldwin IV standing at half-court with the ball and a 10-point lead as the game clock neared expiration.
Just before time ran out, however, Baldwin hoisted a deep three and nailed it. The basket pushed the Grizzlies above the triple-digit mark earning Memphis fans in attendance free chicken.
Lee, unhappy to lose by 10 but considerably angrier losing by 13, went after the rookie but was thwarted by a handful of Grizzlies veterans.
“For him to do that, what are you doing it for, bro?,” Lee told Marc Berman of the New York Post. “Think about the people who’s doing it. They got bad luck in this league. … I don’t know what made him want to do it.”
Lee’s reaction is a common one among NBA players but should it be?
Just last week Lance Stephenson incited his own commotion by adding a layup in the final seconds of a win over the Raptors. Then, Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan called the moot field goal “disrespectful to the game“. This, naturally, was followed up by Stephenson exposing an instance of DeRozan’s teammate Norman Powell doing similar to the Sixers earlier this season.
Ultimately, the NBA and fan community that drives it need to decide what is permissible in the waning seconds of a ball game and what’s just sour grapes. In response to the Stephenson/Raptors theatrics, Bobby Marks of The Vertical tweeted “I’m so tired of these unwritten rules in basketball. If you don’t want a player to shoot at the end of the game then play some D.”
On one hand, it’s easy to empathize with players like Lee or DeRozan who see the unnecessary field-goal attempts as salt in the wounds of a fresh defeat. On the other, its a thin line expecting everybody to subscribe to the same unwritten rules of a game.
Should players adopt Marks’ stance and play defense if preserving a spread is so important to them? Or should players on the winning end know not to shoot when the game is out of reach?
Factors to consider are that some veterans will go so far as to let the shot clock expire before hoisting a shot at the buzzer resulting in their being assigned a turnover. Another is the fan factor, such as that which was in effect for Baldwin IV. Reaching certain point milestones, usually 100 points, can sometimes trigger benefits for fans in attendance. Does this impact the appropriateness of a last second basket?
You tell us in the comments below!
The Knicks lost by 13 not 23. The final was 101-88. Either way it was an unnecessary shot and I’m sure coach Fizdale had something to say to Baldwin about it
I’m still learning this whole math thing, my apologies. I guess I gave Lee the benefit of the doubt. His outburst would have been more acceptable if it were a 20-point game.
Why would you consider the outburst acceptable if it was a bigger lead? If it was as time expired it’s not like it could have possibly taken any part in changing the outcome of the game.
I’m a card carrying member of #TeamChuckIt, for sure, but if the lead were larger I’d empathize with Lee’s frustration more. I’ll emphasize that I still wouldn’t agree with him.
Oh ok. I guess that makes sense. I see where Lee is annoyed, but it’s not an issue as I see it.
Or if that would have happened to the Cavs and LeBron was the one complaining, then not only most people would agree with him, but then the NBA would make it a rule: No basket attempt in the last seconds of a game, when the team in possession of the ball is winning by 10 or more points.
Play defense if it bothers you so much. Don’t blame a rookie that doesn’t play very often for throwing up a random shot because he was open.
Players and league officials everywhere are so soft now. I’m sick of it. Jose Bautista tossing his bat is a controversy, taking a shot at the buzzer when you’re winning is a controversy. NFL players get suspended for showing the camera a t-shirt with “happy birthday mom” on it after scoring a touchdown. Im done. It’s ridiculous. What’s actually “disrespectful to the game” is watching both teams not play it through the whole 48 minutes. If you’re unhappy with someone taking a shot in the final seconds when they are winning, play some defense.
It’s not classy but not against the rules, so if you don’t want them to shoot play defense, completely agree with bobby marks. If a game is still going regardless of the score, a player can shoot.
The only time people accept this stuff is if it’s a kid with Downs or the team manager and no one is playing defense they’re feeding him the ball. Otherwise you’re a complete [insert expletive here]. Right?
If there is time on the clock, then players should play. Otherwise, just end the game when someone decides that there is no chance for a comeback. It is ridiculous to see players just standing there dribbling out the clock. The only thing more ridiculous would be to make it like football and have them take a knee.
Look Baldwin is a rookie, he has a lot to learn. Not only that, he went from a 3 point marksman in college to the NBA where he has been horrible, so just think about what that will do for his confidence in the next coming games. I respect Courtney Lee and his game a lot but still I’m glad Baldwin did it.
Those fans wanted free chicken, man. Don’t be mad at the player for giving his home fans what they wanted!
I’m no fan of rubbing it in, but I’m also a believer in playing til the clock runs out. I’m not saying teams up by 20 need to still be going as hard as they can, but where do we draw the line of no more shots because the game is effectively over? If GS is up by 40 on someone midway through the 4th do they just take shot clock violations the rest of the way? If not, why not? The game is just as out of reach with those 6 minutes left as it will be with 6 seconds left. Just keep playing and keep shooting til it’s over. Preferably with the backups in.
If you don’t wanna get embarrassed after losing then stop losing.
All you guys missed the free chicken part. Baldwin’s a hero.
Give the man credit for actually making the shot to get them over 100 to actually get the home fans free chicken—they where probably chanting and yelling for him to actually shot it anyway.
I’m sure if it didn’t matter regarding the freebie at home, then wouldn’t have bothered to take the shot
Who cares. I played alittle pro and college ball back in the day and I was just as upset losing by 1 or 13 or 25. Lee should just suck it up and start doing something to make his team better other then cry. Same goes with DeRozan. (Even tho he arguably makes his team a lot better) but no1 has ever pissed me off for shooting instead of taking a violation and turnover at the end of the game. Get over it and play hard. Or foul the crap out of them when they shoot either way man up.