Week 7 Something Sunday: Theories

Damnit!! The Nuggets were supposed to win that game versus the Portland Trailblazers. Up 2 and with the ball, Wilson Chandler was fouled and sent to the free throw line for 2 shots with only 6 seconds remaining in the game. They're supposed to be FREE, as in automatic points. Especially when the man sent to the free throw line has made 80% throughout his extended career. Well guess what, he missed both and after a defensive breakdown they allowed a layup with time expiring to send the game into over time, which they subsequently loss. What was going through Wilson Chandler's mind as he was sent to the charity stripe? I have several theories about that. The beauty about theories are they are just a logical explanation for a phenomena, and aren't necessarily correct. Although Bazerman makes his theory sound so convincing about how writing is influenced by sociohistory and psychology by making it work for the evidence he describes... it to is just the best explanation for the given circumstances. Anyways, back to Wilson Chandler. It is possible he had a complete breakdown in focus. His mind was elsewhere, or he was complacent, despite the game being on the line and as a result he missed. Or he could have let the pressure get to him and he choked. This seems unlikely though as it was a regular season game without the added pressure that the playoffs bring. Another option is he was physically fatigued and his shot form was unusual. Although it was only the second game of the season, any professional sport is obviously physically demanding and it is possible that he was completely exhausted by the end of the game. Without Gary Harris in the lineup he did log additional minutes. Perhaps his conditioning during the off-season wasn't adequate. Any of those factors could have led to physical exhaustion and an unusual shooting form. Lastly, he could have just missed two free throws. He could have gone through his normal routine, both mentally and physically, and simply missed 2 consecutive free throws. A free throw percentage of 80 intrinsically means he misses some. Although this would lead you to believe he doesn't miss 2 consecutive very often, if he makes his next 8 he is right at his average. Wilson Chandler missing 2 free throws could have been a random occurrence or there could have been some mental or physical reasoning. I have posted several reasons what could have happened, but nobody except Wilson Chandler (and perhaps not even he) will know for sure. Better luck next time Nuggets!