The Panthers are integrating an unusual element into their training sessions during OTAs and minicamps—NBA Finals film. Coach Dave Canales has been using the ongoing series between Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers as a teaching tool for his players.
During a recent discussion about practice, Canales mentioned the Thunder-Pacers matchup, highlighting its relevance to football. “The nature of competition, that’s what it is; how do you respond to adversity?” he said. He emphasized the importance of energy, technique, and execution.
Canales incorporates basketball into the team’s routine beyond just watching games. A basketball hoop in the team meeting room serves as a means to settle ties between offense and defense through free throw competitions.
This week, highlights from the Pacers-Thunder series have been part of team meetings. Canales praised Tyrese Haliburton’s decisive play in Game 1 and discussed key aspects such as teamwork and communication among players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“We’ve been following the NBA playoffs,” Canales noted. “Great teams…were in constant communication.” This theme mirrors his coaching philosophy on teamwork in football.
Rookie running back Trevor Etienne acknowledged learning from these films about controlling turnovers and game effort. Meanwhile, quarterback Bryce Young remains optimistic about his prediction for a Thunder victory despite their current disadvantage.
Canales refrained from predicting an outcome but expressed his desire for both teams to reach their full potential. His approach aims to engage players by connecting sports lessons with broader principles of performance and achievement.
“I don’t like it when I see a team; you know what they can do, and they’re just not achieving it,” Canales stated. His focus remains on motivating his players through diverse teaching methods.
