Unselfish Play from Mac McClung
Texas Tech finished the season with a 17-10 regular-season record, including a 9-8 in conference record. In the 17 wins for the Red Raiders this season, Mac McClung averaged just below 11 shots per game. In the 10 losses, that number was closer to 15 points per game. I realize McClung is the best offensive weapon for Texas Tech, but there is something to be said for the disparity in his shooting volume average in wins versus losses.
I relate the stats favoring McClung’s unselfish play to Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards in the NBA. The Wizards have lost 11 straights games when Bradley Beal scores 40 or more points. Now, no one is going to argue that Beal isn’t the best offensive weapon for the Wizards and he should be shooting and scoring the most in his team’s offense.
Yet, that streak seems to be more than just a coincidence to me. Understanding he is such an offensive threat, Beal is able to draw a lot of attention from opposing defenses. Therefore, when he plays unselfishly, his team has a better chance to succeed.
This appears to be the case with McClung and the Red Raiders. If the team is in a close game late and needs a bucket or is struggling to find flow in their offensive game, they have the luxury to defer McClung and usually he comes through. Throughout the course of the game though, if McClung can play more unselfishly it will allow his team to be in a better position to win the game while also building confidence among his teammates.