Pat Riley
Pat Riley
Patrick James "Pat" Rileyis an American professional basketball executive, and a former coach and player in the National Basketball Association. He has been the team president of the Miami Heat since 1995 and head coach in two separate tenures. Widely regarded as one of the greatest NBA coaches of all time, Riley has served as the head coach of five championship teams, four with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Heat...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionCoach
Date of Birth20 March 1945
CityRome, NY
CountryUnited States of America
As soon as we begin to struggle offensively or get a little bit discouraged, two or three things happen to us and we stop playing defense.
The argument is they know what they're supposed to do. At least they tell you, 'We know what we're supposed to do.' So you back off a little bit on the real big muscle work that could cause them injury.
It is like a game-to-game thing. Back-to-backs have been a little bit difficult for him. We might look at it differently as to how we do that.
Last year we understood and found out exactly how lethal injuries at the wrong time can be, so I think we protected ourselves a little bit there. As a matter of fact, I think we protected ourselves big-time in that capacity if we lose a perimeter guy.
He's had a very consistent year, with the exception of the last couple of weeks, and I think he's getting worn down a little bit. He's got a little bit of an injury, so we're trying to work through that, but it is what it is, because he has to play now with Jason out.
I don't think he fights it. I really don't. It's a hard thing to do. But I do think everybody that I have coached that have gotten a little bit older, they realize in order to maintain in this league that they have to do something differently.
Our guys have to stop talking about being what they think they are and they've got to do it. I think we've done it a little bit over the last couple of weeks, but enough is enough now.
He'd average 20 points a game if he was put in that role every night and I'll be damned if I'm not going to try to put him in that role - now. You forget a little bit about how good he can be if he gets good opportunities.
This is to see whether the two years, all the drill work and all the hard work have manifested itself into something positive for him. It should be something he should be eager to do.
I think they have great respect for New Jersey. They are a very effective team right now and they're developing a lot of confidence.
It's just good to get this win and get ready for Indiana and the next six or seven games that are coming our way.
Frustration is part of this game. You have to press on. That's it. You can't let that get to you. Welcome to the NBA playoffs.
I think I read a headline today, 'Great players versus a great team', and I hope we do have great players on the way to becoming a great team. I think a win like this today begins to develop a sense of confidence.
His conditioning is the thing. Coming right in to the playoffs and expecting him to play well is unrealistic.