Not Offensive

I can't take it anymore. Can someone, anyone, teach the players in the NBA how to score? Granted, there have been a number of games this season where the losing team has scored more than 100 points, but it's not good enough.

The number of teams scoring 90 or fewer points a night is still too high. Last week, the Chicago Bulls scored 86 points in a game...and won. A few nights later, Boston scored 82 and Brooklyn scored 81. The following night, the Utah Jazz scored 73 followed by 72 from the Milwaukee Bucks–which isn't the first time in this young season the Bucks have scored in the 70s. Where's Jack Sikma when you need him?

I'm beginning to think the NBA stands for "No Baskets Allowed." And believe me, it's the poor shooting and scoring, not the splendid defense being played that is the root of the problem.

High school basketball games are three-quarters as long as NBA games. In this country, on a nightly basis, I'd bet there are 500 high school teams that score 80 or more points. Earlier this season, the Grizzlies beat the Warriors, 88-81...in overtime, for crying out loud.

Yes, but the high school players are playing against–you know what? Stop. High school kids are playing against kids of their caliber. NBA players are playing against other NBA players. NBA teams need to score just over 22 points a quarter to score 90 points. Two three-pointers, five free throws and six field goals–boom, 23 points. That's too much to ask in 12 minutes? I've supervised 40+ drop-in leagues where they can score six shots in 12 minutes.

To rearrange a famous quote from 12 Angry Men, I know it's possible, but is it probable? The Mavericks beat the Houston Rockets in a recent game, 123-120. One of the teams scored at least 30 points in each of the four quarters. How hard is that? Judging from recent scores, pretty hard I guess.  I know a jump shot is a lot harder than a lob-pass dunk, but if you just set your mind to it... believe it and achieve it. For the love of God, please achieve it.