Semifinal game with 10 seconds left: take the layup or pull up for three?

Last night in my rec league playoff game, we were down by 2 with 10 seconds left. I had the ball on a fast break with one defender in front of me. I could either drive for the easy layup to tie it, or pull up for a three to win it outright. I went for the three, bricked it off the rim, and we lost by 2. My teammates were split on whether that was the right call, some said take the sure points and go to OT, others said you gotta swing for the win. What would you pick in that spot? Have any of you been in a situation like that and made the call that worked out?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_kai12d ago

Think about how often in life people choose the safe route that just kicks the can down the road versus taking a real shot right now. You had control of the game in that moment and chose to end it on your terms, which is a trait that applies way beyond basketball. Losing sucks but living with the regret of never taking your best shot is way worse in the long run, just look at any big decision you've made.

davidh8812d ago

The real question is what did your defense look like that night. If your team was gassed and giving up easy buckets all game, taking the tie and going to OT might have just delayed the loss anyway. Without knowing your team's condition, it's impossible to say if the three was dumb or not.