Slow-down basketball

It may not be as exciting (for some folks) to watch, but it has this advantage: it cuts down on the scoring opportunities of the opponents. The better slow-down teams usually play disciplined, high-percentage offenses, and by limiting their opponents possessions, they say to the opponents, "If you are going to play sloppy, then we are going to cut down on your chances; so if you want to beat us, you are going to have to play a more efficient style of ball." Since they by design play efficient ball, they are one leg up on the opponents from the start. It doesn't always work, but there is logic behind it.