Rick Carlisle says it’s not as simple as LeBron wanting ball at end of games; Popovich best coach he’s seen
Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle joined the show to talk about the NBA playoffs and his new contract.
Dan asked Carlisle if he was surprised the Pacers beat the Heat in Game 2. Carlisle said no, because they suffered a bad loss to Indy this season: “They beat us senseless. They have size and strength.”
Carlisle won’t rip the Heat and LeBron for the end of Game 2. He said it’s very hard to get a three-pointer at the end of the game when you need one. Carlisle said defenses take away the star players at the end. They can’t always get Dirk Nowitzki the shot in that situation.
Carlisle said that it’s not as simple as people are making it out. “I don’t think it’s case where James doesn’t want the shot,” Carlisle said. “I don’t want my best player to take a shot with two guys draped all over him.”
Carlisle had a lot of praise for the Spurs. He said they do a better job of spacing the floor and it opens up all there three-pointers.
Carlisle said that Gregg Popovich is the best coach he’s gone against. Dan asked if he puts him ahead of Phil Jackson. “I do, because he hasn’t had the same kind of talent,” Carlisle said. Carlisle said that there will never be another coach who wins four titles in the same city in 16 years.