Certain things tend to work in the game of basketball.  First there is good defense.  Underrated, yes, but key to success even in the NBA.  San Antonio Spurs Coach Greg Popovich continuously preaches defense at least partly because it leads to good offense.

Solid defense leads to turnovers and turnovers lead to what?  Open uncontested shots.  You can't beat a lay up, or jam and you can't complain about a short jumper.

How many of you remember how the ball was originally moved in the game of basketball?  Passes only.  There was no dribble.  When they did allow a dribble it was in the air.  Then it was allowed on the court.  Then you were allowed a step and a half.  Then you were allowed two steps.

All this dribbling, which beginners usually do with their head down, has resulted in a shortage of something necessary for a good basketball team, good ball movement.  You see, the best way to move the ball freely is the good old pass.  Good crisp ball movement creates, anyone, yes, open uncontested shots.  Move the ball, share the ball, Popovich preaches.

Now, when do we dribble?  We dribble when we can penetrate the defense to the point where we can pass the ball back out to create, everyone, OPEN UNCONTESTED SHOTS.

If you do these things, basketball is a cinch!  The San Antonio Spurs used these strategies to rough up those pests the New Orleans Hornets 112 - 77 on Saturday night.  Manu Ginobli sank a three pointer with 11:35 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Spurs a 93 - 68 lead and it was really over right there.  The Spurs made 12 of 16 three pointers for a season high 75% and shot a season high 62.9% from the field.  Take that you Hornets, here's a little gasoline for you.  The Spurs have defeated the Hornets the last five times the teams have met.