How critical is deep rotation?

Relying on a deep rotation has its benefits in a long series.

- By JOAQUIN M. HENSON

In the NBA, Oklahoma City entered the Finals against Indiana with seven players averaging at least 20 minutes compared to the Pacers' five. Down the stretch, the rotation kept the Thunder nucleus healthy so that in Game 7, OKC had more able bodies than Indiana whose star guard Tyrese Haliburton went out with a torn right Achilles tendon in the first quarter.

In the PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals, Barangay Ginebra is risking a short rotation against San Miguel Beer but for the moment, coach Tim Cone has the advantage with a 2-1 series lead. In the elims, Ginebra had six players logging at least 15 minutes a game with five clocking at least 30 – Stephen Holt (35:11), Scottie Thompson (32:58), Jamie Malonzo (32:06), Japeth Aguilar (31:09) and Troy Rosario (30:39). San Miguel, in contrast, had nine players averaging at least 15 minutes with only June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez logging at least 30 each.