GDT: Phoenix at Dallas, December 17, 8:30 p.m. central

[dalger]

Originally Posted by CadBane

I just don't understand why you watch him go 0-4, then wait till we inbounds it to try to call a timeout. He should have been gone after the first 2 misses.

We've heard many times that Haywood's not the type of guy who needs the occasional punishment to get better. He's the type of guy who needs a hug as a vote of confidence instead. Leaving him on the court after two missed free throws is a symbolic hug by Carlisle to show Haywood that he trusts him. No reason to immediately take him out after missing two free throws and hurting his confidence from the line even more in the process when you're up by 15 points or something.

Eventually, Carlisle did the right thing by taking him out. But he also did the right thing by not immediately punishing him after his first attempts. Coach is not as dumb as you think he is. Or you're not as smart as you think you are.