Let's say you are challenged to a game by your clone. You both have 1 minute to make the most layups as possible from a full court sprint. Once you make a basket you turn around and get to the other end to shoot again. Over and over until 1 min is up Well since you are exactly as skilled as your clone you decide that all you need to do is go at a faster pace than he does. He goes first and makes 1 layup per 10 seconds, doesnt miss any...6 total. You go next and you a sped up more than your controlled pace so you miss a few, but thats ok because your increased speed makes up for it. You make 8 layups, but you shot 15. For the next go-around the rules are changed. Your clone goes first and you alternate turns for a minute...you cannot go until he finishes his shot. You decide to keep your same pace. You shot a little over 50% at that pace. Your clone also keeps the same pace. Takes him 10 seconds but he makes the shot...your turn. You take 5 seconds but miss the shot. He takes another 10 seconds and makes the shot. You take 5 seconds and make it. The game is now halfway over and hes up 2-1. Its his ball. He takes another 10 seconds...makes it. 3-1. You go even faster, 3 seconds...need to make up time. Miss it. He makes it after another 10 seconds. 4-1. You both take and make your final 2 shots as the buzzer sounds...both of your efficiencies stayed relatively the same as your previous try. BUT because he controlled the pace to play at his optimal speed for ensuring the best shot possible, your clone won the moment you missed your first shot. Now...let's say its you vs Lebron James. You're less skilled than him, obviously. You realize your only chance is to make this a one possession game...take the game to a complete halt. Either you make it and win or miss it and tie. Now...let's say its Steph Curry vs Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is highly athletic and somewhat skilled. Steph is somewhat athletic and highly skilled. Curry, being the more skilled one, would want to slow the game down to where his possessions mattered more. If he went fast, even being super talented, he would still be giving Russell Westbrook a chance to win the game with every possession he created. Hopefully that makes sense, but the gist is that slowing down helps you both offensively and defensively. It reduces your opponents chances and keeps you from taking shots without making a defense play defense for the longest amount of time. More energy, better shots, higher efficiency. Less energy for your opponents, worse shots, lower efficiency. And it is MUCH harder for them to speed you up than for you to slow them down