Im not gonna say we're playing "small ball", since most of our guys are big for their positions, but not playing... or having a true C, will bite us in the a** sooner or later.
He may have to take the car keys away from Luka and start calling plays again if Luka is going to take time to get that shooting back up. Letting them freelance ain't working right now.
Yes, JJ's "swarming defense" is incredible. I thought it was just a gimmick at first, but so far, it really is working quite well. The team is extremely big (even if we don't have a traditional big 5) and mobile, so we're pretty much playing "position-less," both offensively and defensively. When most of your guys on the floor are 6'7" to 6'9" with long arms, quick and physically strong, this type of defense obviously works well. For better or for worse, this might actually be the future of professional basketball.
This defense is very sustainable, I like it bc it is very similar to what I have used for decades and it has allowed us to beat and dominate much bigger teams. I hope this is an indication of the future of the game because it is exciting to watch. Instead of being a plodding big, learn some skills and join in. Bigs should be able to dribble and pass and smalls should be able to post and rebound. Everyone should be able to play tough defense without fouling, limiting the oppositions ability to create mismatches. Simple things that make you a tough out.
Against the Clippers they did this sort of soft double team every time Harden turned the corner on an iso. The timing and angle of the double was nuanced, and it resulted in at least 3 turnovers. Vando, Vincent and Goodwin all were able to step in do it. That is all JJ. His schemes and preparedness are excellent. The team is defending and playing with the same identity after swapping AD and Max Christie for Luka and Jordan Goodwin in the rotation. These past 25 games or so has been a major statement for JJ, with the Denver game as icing. This guy is not only competent, he might be pretty damn good.
He's got them fully bought in to this identity and they're treating these defensive assignments like they're playoff games. AFTER losing two of the team's 4 best defenders. He has our two way guys ready for the moment and ready to be on a playoff (break in case of emergency) roster. That's some top notch, COY level s***.
My take on AD. I believe he played on cruise control around 80% or so. He went to Dallas and of course wanted to show everybody that it wasn't a bad trade and played 100%. His body wasn't ready for that and broke. The moral of the story is to play mad all the time...lol.
Kendrick Perkins last night stated on SportsCenter that Redick should be in consideration for the COY race. Agree...
Ya think Perk? That take is Magic the commentator worthy. .... but thanks anyway, you're damn right he "should" be.
