Head coach Maeda “Nakayama took everything”
On April 10, Akita Northern Happinets, who played once morest Kawasaki Brave Thunders, chased hard while carrying a 19-point behind in the final quarter, and Takuya Nakayama’s 3-point shot from the half court was sucked into the ring at the same time as the time was up. He won a big come-from-behind victory of 87-86.
After the match, head coach Kenzo Maeda said, “Nakayama took everything with me,” which was the best result for Akita. However, this dramatic buzzer beater was born from Nakayama’s mistake. Akita decided to restart from his own team because Yuma Fujii had already used up the time-out with 14.7 seconds remaining following deciding two free throws. Considering the remaining time, it is normal to aim for a 3-point shot early, but Nakayama who carried the ball went to get a certain 2 points by driving because the front was vacant.
As head coach Maeda commented, “The instruction was 3 points. Furukawa (Takatoshi) was a wide open, but he went,” the theory is still aiming for a 3-point shot in this scene. is. Nakayama also admitted that he made a mistake and looked back on the scene. “I wanted to aim for a 3-point shot, but when I saw the shooter, I was tight there. I wonder if I should take it to the foul game and hit the shooter with 4 or 5 seconds remaining in the next possession. I thought. The two points where I have to aim for three are my own mistakes. “
Nakayama knew that he needed a 3-point shot, but as he said, “I thought it was vacant, but I mightn’t make it because it was difficult for me to make a pass and it was too late to see it.” It was a tough decision to go get the points. However, as a result, this choice worked. Immediately following going to the foul game, Fujii, who had scored six free throws in a row so far, missed the first one, creating a chance for a reversal instead of a tie. And the opening moment came.
Although it was a reversal play that remains in the history of the league, head coach Maeda calmly looked back on the game. “I’m sure it was a lot of pain just because I got that shot, and it was a lot of pain. It was a very painful development throughout the 40 minutes, but it was a very painful development throughout the 40 minutes, but it led to this victory because he did not give up aggressively. Honestly. , Colton (Iverson) was gone and I wasn’t confident as a team. I think today’s victory is very big because I lost yesterday in a situation where I was worried. “
Akita was not involved in this match because Iverson suffered a left ankle sprain in the match once morest Sun Rockers Shibuya on April 6. No detailed information regarding his return has been released, but the departure of foreign players at this time is too painful. Furthermore, it is even more so for Akita, who is currently in second place in the wild card and will continue to play once morest the top clubs.
Still, Nakayama hasn’t given up on the club’s first championship advance as it did in this match. “It’s not the first time for us because Kadeem Coleby mightn’t get out in the middle of last season. I’ve always thought I had to do it. I’m really in a position to aim for the championship. I will continue to do what I have to do as a team for 40 minutes, not who is there or not. “
