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Jeremy Lin’s Late-Game Decision-Making Costing Lakers

By Jacob Rude

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Over the last week, Jeremy Lin‘s notable bad decision-making, especially late in games, has both signaled a weakness of his and cost the Lakers in late-game scenarios

It read like a jab both to Kobe Bryant and Byron Scott.

In a mid-December game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bryant had struggled all night, finishing 3-of-15 from the field. Meanwhile, Lin had 8 points and 3 assists in a big fourth quarter. However, it was Bryant who was called upon to hit the big shot at the end of the game, one he missed and the Lakers would eventually lose.

After the game, Lin was asked about the decision to go to Bryant and not himself for the final shot, to which he responded:

While Lin may not have meant anything personal by it, he was clearly eager to make the crucial decisions late in games.

In the last week, however, he’s been the one who has made the late-game gaffes to cost the Lakers.

First came the Memphis Grizzlies game, and more importantly, the big possession defensively late. With the Lakers down just one but the game clock and shot clock nearly in unison, the Lakers would be forced to foul.

The play unfolded with Lin confused, looking toward head coach Byron Scott for instruction. Precious seconds ticked away and Bryant was forced to come from the other side of the floor to foul.

After the game, Scott defended his player, saying that he elected not to foul until there were 10 seconds on the clock, which brings up two questions:

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    • 1. Was he covering for Lin’s mistake? Certainly no coach would elect NOT to foul for no reason and simply allow important seconds to tick off the clock. Could Lin have made a crucial mistake and Scott took the fall on his behalf to protect his player?

    or….

    2. Did Scott intend for his players to pressure the ball without fouling until there were 10 seconds left on the clock, a strategy that would make a lot more sense. Again, Scott would have taken the fall for Lin, but the strategy would make more sense.

    In either scenario, Lin made a mistake. Regardless of the situation, under no circumstances should Lin have stood back and watched Conley dribble. At best, Lin misinterpreted what Scott was saying. At worst, it was a big mental mistake.

    Fast forward to Monday. With the game on the line and the Lakers down three points, Lin had a chance to either pull the Lakers within one or tie the game.

    Lin air-balled the three, and it wasn’t even close. Even though he did a decent job of creating space, he elected to force up the game-tying three pointer than attempt to get to the rim and possibly draw the foul or at least force Portland to keep making free throws.

    Another late-game situation, another mishap from Lin.

    Overall, Lin has struggled at times this season with his decision making. Too often he seems to over-think situations rather than let the play flow naturally. It’s something that can be learned and adapted, but is also something that has plagued Lin for his career.

    At least for now, maybe Lin shouldn’t be so eager for those game-winning shots.

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