Ok, this is such a dumb argument and I've hated it for years. It used to be a Spurfan refrain...we were "lucky" they missed their open shots. The thing is, if you watch PJ's defensive tendencies, is teams are given open shots outside of their comfort zone. Spots that people love are taken away, and alternatives are given.
For example, we all know that Bruce Bowen can't shoot from ANYWHERE on the court save the two corner three spots. Did you see how many he got and made against the Nooch last night?? Mind boggling. It is the only spot on the floor where he's offensively dangerous. The Lakers always tried to force him to take open elbow jumpers, etc. CLANG. Now, most cases aren't that obvious but when a shooter isn't getting his "money" area to score from and settles for something else, he often will fail...if he fails early, that can snowball. It isn't so much taking away their easy shots...it is making them do something differently...because that is both physical and mental. And when you can get someone mentally, you've got them owned.
When a team misses their "open shots" for a game, they are cold. When they miss them often against a specific team, it is because the defense is doing something to throw them off balance. The Lakers weren't a top 5 FG% against team this season because everyone was off against them. The Lakers give you shots outside of your comfort zone.
