There is a C Bags play we couldn't stop in both matchups . Theis sets a 1st pick on the big defending him , his ballhandler waits for Theis to roll to the basket and to set a 2nd pick on the (2nd) Lakers big defending the rim : layup for Boston. Fortunately C Bags missed somme easy ones at the rim
To be honest, when you have a smaller man guarding AD, he needs to get the ball. It's not Vogel fault that AD missed like 2-3 uncontested layup in a row right under the basket. Cetics then made adjustment by doubling down on AD forcing Lebron with open jump shot and staying home against our shooters. Instead of driving to the basket, LBJ took couple wide open 3s and he missed both of them. Not mad at those plays at all, especially when they involved our 2 best players with open looks.
I think he tried to work in the post, he just missed some shots. Several replays showed he was mugged repeatedly, but ... no call. Then he tries to play more soft, to avoid contact and possible injury. I mean, AD is not stupid. If he is not rewarded down low, he is not going to risk his health in a regular season game. Yes, it is sometimes frustrating for us to watch, but I know where he is coming from.
that's when excuses start I vote for no excuses. Either winning or keeping that stuff to yourself. Nobody wants to hear excuses about broken hands and other BS. Makes you look soft.
Shoutout to Vogel and the coaching staff for implementing that Lebron/McGee screen and seal play that opens the lane for a layup/dunk. I noticed Boston running that play against us for Tatum a few times, and it was quite effective. Allowed us to get some easy buckets to keep the lead for awhile.
They were great, but I laughed when Coach Frank approached a sitting Bron with 6 minutes left, and the Bucks within 6.
And Caruso setting screens for AD. Caruso screened Yanis out of plays like 4 times I counted and AD either scored or got fouled
And one more thing, I approve of stealing the C Bags' under the rim play (our bigs setting screens against shot blockers).
He can play him for a few minutes when LeBron's gone but he needs to tell Rondo to MOVE the damn ball. Rondo holds onto the ball and then runs the shotclock down which forces him to take a terrible shot or pass the ball to a teammate with two seconds left. If he can't slow the game down properly, he needs to change the tempo and play quick. In fact, that probably helps a guy like Kuzma because Kuzma could get more shots in a quicker tempo game. I loved them showing that. Frank and LeBron have such a strong relationship that resembles Phil and Jordan. They both trust each other so much.
He adjusted in this game - by benching Rondo when he sucked. Rondo had some good moments where he recognized that KORVER was guarding him - so he took him to the rack a few times and scored easily. But then he had some bad moments in the early parts of the 4th - and thankfully, he was benched. He also only played 12 minutes - I'd prefer it to stay that way rest of the season and hopefully it goes down even more in favor of Waiters. Vogel also did a great job scheming against Giannis - but I also think Giannis not hitting his 3's was a big reason we didn't lose this game - cuz ultimately, you gotta live with that. He hit 5 last time against us...he's not going to hit 5 against us ever again.
5 is the most he has ever made and it just so happens the ones he was making vs the Lakers were literally just pull-up threes over a defender. He was just streaky hot that first game. The way the Lakers came prepared this game showed a lot of improvement in terms of our team chemistry and Frank Vogel's coaching. I agree with your point with Rondo but it's not just minutes with him anymore. The guy has to change how he plays with the team. Give him 10-15 minutes to push the pace and play defense the best he can. Can we turn Rondo into a player who just gives the Lakers a short burst of offense? That's much better than what he is doing at now... and at no point in the game should Rondo ever be playing with LeBron. LeBron plays 35 minutes per game.. Give Rondo the other 13 minutes and stop putting him with LeBron.
I like the calm Vogel brings to the team. I think the team has bought into defense despite some speed bumps and that will be part of our identity going forward. The offense at time stutters, and I would not fly on every rotational choice, but I feel confident in him as a coach and it has been a long time since I haven't felt shook by who was pulling the strings. Hard to see what the assistants are doing, but I respect their credentials, and feel Kidd may be a better assistant coach than a coach despite his alpha male drive probably resenting that fact. Good job Vogel. I feel we have twenty or so games to get things polished for playoffs, and perhaps even deeper if we have a weak team in our first series.
I don’t think it’s going to change but the 3 guard lineups and Rondo playing need to be done by the playoffs. Otherwise he’s been fantastic. The adjustments and how we come out in the 3rd quarters the last two games is championship level stuff.
