Tournament game vs. regular season game - difference?

Austiger · #1 03-12-2007, 01:02 PM

Why do people say that the NCAA tournament, unlike the regular season, comes down to more half-court play and that guard-play is more important than in the regular season? Isn't a game a game?

capone0 · #2 03-12-2007, 01:06 PM

Have you watched the NBA playoffs? Likewise, the game changes in touraments. They just do. The coaches play tourney games differently.

Austiger · #3 03-12-2007, 01:10 PM

I guess my question is why? Why would you coach a tourney game differently? Shouldn't you coach each game the way that would give you your best chance to win?

UATrewqaz · #4 03-12-2007, 01:28 PM

Possible guesses as to why regular season games are different from playoff games, in all sports:

During the regular season coaches "experiment" more, to find out what works, who is good at what, etc.

Coaches might also swap in lots more players, to develop them, and thus have to adjust the gameplan for the subs that are in.

NajdorfDefense · #5 03-12-2007, 01:41 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Why do people say that the NCAA tournament, unlike the regular season, comes down to more half-court play and that guard-play is more important than in the regular season? Isn't a game a game?

[/ QUOTE ]

No, coaches coach in the regular season to be good 'all year' to position themselves for the tourney. Guys rest, rotations are larger, different plays are tried, etc.

Think of a Chess GM in an elimination series for the Title. You can't play the exact same opening for every game, you need to vary a little to make the opponent work harder.

But when it comes down to the final game, then you are going to go 100% with your best stuff. Because there's no tomorrow.

Same as NFL regular season and playoffs - any diff there?

kidcolin · #6 03-12-2007, 01:42 PM

More talented play is a major factor. Talented teams give up less fast breaks, play defense better, are less susceptible to traps/presses, etc.

DrewDevil · #7 03-12-2007, 02:15 PM

During the regular season, a coach will generally use a lot more substitutes to keep his stars fresh and to find the best combos for the tourney. You'll notice that most teams pare down to a 7- or 8-man rotation once the dance begins.

Also, because the tourney is one and done, you'll see different strategies, more coaching, and earlier time outs.

kidcolin · #8 03-12-2007, 02:39 PM

Drew your location is effing up the window.

gusmahler · #9 03-12-2007, 02:41 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Have you watched the NBA playoffs?

[/ QUOTE ]

It makes more sense to change in the NBA because of the 4 to 7 consecutive games against the same opponent.