The entire play just shows how D'antoni has zero plan when it comes to strategizing on defense, to get a stop when the team needs one late in the game. Doc Rivers has run circles around him for years. Folks, under D'antoni we've never won a game in BOS.
First of all, regardless of your philosophy to foul in that situation (or at what point under 18 seconds), the play started off on the wrong foot.
1) You do not allow Rondo to roll ball up court, leaving him open until he crosses half court, allowing BOS to start their offense WHERE THEY WANTED TO.
2) You have to waste your foul. You had one to burn. You fake pressure, force Rondo to pick up the ball, make them start the offense under duress, and then foul as soon as they start doing something. Clock is probably at about 11-14 seconds. Their ball coming out on the side.
3) If you're just gonna play defense, not foul, then YOU MUST TAKE AWAY THE 3-point shot. All 5 guys should be playing around the line, and preventing PP & RA from getting into good position.
Personally, I would have pulled Shumpert aside. Told him to play defense straight up, but if given the chance... When clock gets under 8-10... If PP dribbles or tries to movewith the ball, instead of chasing and rushing to get into position, just reach in and go for the ball. FOUL HIM.
What's the point having Shump shadow him and then stay planted on the floor and watch a man w/ rings take a clean shot w/out hands in his face?
PP was a few feet behind the arc. He was moving into position to shoot the 3. If Shump was told to do so, he fouls PP as he is dribbling there. 6 seconds. He's shooting 2 shots. NY wins.
