One thing that separates a basketball team from other teams in the league is the team's ability to play the game at various tempos. The Spurs have done their part in this category. While they are typically at their best in a slower-pace game, they have enough ballhandling and speed out of their guards to push the ball at times. Phoenix, for example, has not eliminated San Antonio in the playoffs since Duncan got hurt back in 2000. Instead, the Suns are continuously stopped by the Spurs ability to derail the fast style of play.
For the Cavs, controlling the tempo was critical in the Detroit series. In the first couple of games, both the Cavs and Pistons were kind of stuck at one pace. But, by the 4th quarter of Game 6, the Cavs had shown how they understood how to control a game. In the second half, the Cavs began to exploit the Pistons. On the offensive end, the Cavs sped the pace. Occasionally, they slowed it down, but they made sure not to run their offense at only one speed. This was huge. Despite a large advantage in playoff experience, the Pistons were unable to adjust to the Cavalier game plan. In the 4th, Cleveland decided to continue to run the table and keep Detroit from regaining any momentum. While common thought teaches coaches and players to slow down a game when they have the lead, there is always the risk of stopping the wrong team. Yes, there are teams like the Suns that avoid a slower game as much as possible. But, in the case of the fallen Pistons and the Championship opponent Spurs, a slowdown is a blessing.
For the Cavs, controlling the tempo was critical in the Detroit series. In the first couple of games, both the Cavs and Pistons were kind of stuck at one pace. But, by the 4th quarter of Game 6, the Cavs had shown how they understood how to control a game. In the second half, the Cavs began to exploit the Pistons. On the offensive end, the Cavs sped the pace. Occasionally, they slowed it down, but they made sure not to run their offense at only one speed. This was huge. Despite a large advantage in playoff experience, the Pistons were unable to adjust to the Cavalier game plan. In the 4th, Cleveland decided to continue to run the table and keep Detroit from regaining any momentum. While common thought teaches coaches and players to slow down a game when they have the lead, there is always the risk of stopping the wrong team. Yes, there are teams like the Suns that avoid a slower game as much as possible. But, in the case of the fallen Pistons and the Championship opponent Spurs, a slowdown is a blessing.