Fast Break Article 3/9/13 - How Chemistry Can Beat Talent

         In the NBA today, we see more and more super star teams. After these teams form, people immediately think they will dominate and win the championship. This, however, is false.

          A team needs more than just talent. They need chemistry. Chemistry involves teammates getting along, everyone knowing their roles, everyone playing great, and most importantly, fun.

          This might sound weird, but a team needs fun for chemistry. If a team is all about work and no fun, it is hard for them to succeed. Look at the Lakers in the 1970’s. They had talent, but no energy. Therefore, they lost each year. In 1980, Magic Johnson came. He brought pranks, fun, and energy. The first year he joins, the Lakers win the NBA Championship.

          Now that we have defined chemistry, let’s see the power of chemistry. Chemistry can beat talent if they have near perfect chemistry. Here are some examples of chemistry beating talent or talent failing because of no chemistry:

·        2011 Mavericks beating Miami Heat in NBA Finals

·        Los Angeles Lakers failing in the first half of the 2013 season due to no chemistry

·        2003 and 2004 Lakers failing because of Shaq and Kobe feud

·        San Antonio Spurs having best record in NBA

·        1970 Knicks beating Lakers in NBA Finals

·        1975 Warriors beating Bullets in NBA Finals

·        1969 Celtics beating Lakers in NBA Finals

·        Russell’s teams beating Wilt’s

·        1977 Trail Blazers beating 76ers in NBA Finals

·        2004 Pistons beating Lakers in the NBA Finals

·        1979 Sonics beating Bullets in NBA Finals

        The 2011 Mavericks are my favorite example since they are favorite team in the NBA. The Heat had Chris Bosh, one of the best power forwards in the NBA, Dwyane Wade, the best or second best shooting guard in the NBA, and Lebron James, the best player in the NBA. The Mavericks had Dirk, one of the best power forwards in the NBA, Jason Terry, an average shooting guard in the NBA, Shawn Marion, a star past his prime, Caron Butler, didn’t play against the Heat, and Tyson Chandler, great defender but no scoring abilities. The Mavericks knew their role and played freely. The Heat knew their role, but struggled to succeed in it. Chandler was the tough guy of the team, Dirk was the scorer and crunch time scorer, Marion was a good defender and occasional scorer, Terry was a 3 point shooter and vocal leader, and Jason Kidd was the passer and floor leader. They perfected their roles and beat the super star Heat.

Perfect Chemistry > Talent