Forget Michigan State basketball’s 84-78 loss to Iowa on Tuesday, for a moment. Forget its recent 30-point loss at Rutgers.
Forget the four-game losing streak — Tom Izzo’s first since 2005-06. Forget the uneven playing rotation, the lack of experienced and capable point guard play, the lack of post defense and rim protection.
Forget all of that and think about why Michigan State’s struggles this season are so stunning. About why it’s shocking to watch these Spartans lose game after game, unable to impose their style of play, even on nights when they show spirit and vitality and make lots of 3s, as they did Tuesday in Iowa City.