On a team with a passing Wizard like Huertas, and a passing savant rookie like Russell, and one of the all time assisters in Kobe, Lou Williams leads our (Qualified) team members with 3 assists per game. That means that once things are clicking, we are going to be really badarse. Even Nick Young is averaging 1/2 an assist per game.
We played good defense. Had 24 assists on 31 made baskets. We rebounded well and most of all we got the WIN.
Defense looked good. People took shots more within the rhythm of the game. Kobe facilitating is always nice to see.
I thought we looked good. I mean really good. Nance Jr. continues to impress. Looks like a guy that'll be a very solid backup 4 man for us. His energy, his defense, his athleticism really the perfect spark plug off the bench. Was great to see Kobe not jacking up a bunch of shots. He didn't shoot a high percentage, but I could care less as I thought he got quality looks. I don't remember him forcing one to be honest with you. He drew the defense, had some nice dishes on his drives inside, just made the right basketball play all night long. The overall defense was fantastic. We were rotating, held up on the boards, kept the ball out of the paint, excellent team defense and didn't just leave Hibbs out to dry, got back in transition, and actually contested three's for once. I've been waiting for this kind of all around effort. Unselfish play on offense, being in tune defensively, everyone getting on the board, energy, teamwork, and I just thought overall we made sound and solid plays on both sides of the ball.
A much needed win. The players looked to be having fun for a change and the fans got to see a win. I also agree that the defense looked better, there were better all around defensive possessions than I think I've seen all season, held a team under 90. Some nice challenges and blocks at the rim by Roy, Randle, and even Bass and Lou. We also didn't get killed on the boards, looked a little better there. Also thought the ball was moving better in general, and for the first time I can remember this season it seemed like I was seeing some actual offensive plays being run our there. Not a ton, but at least some looked like they were designed and led to baskets.
Wait, even the pistons were a game above .500? If they could do it, THEY could do it! I mean, WE could do it.
Actually the Pistons have looked very good in the early going here. They came down to Earth only recently when they came on this West Coast road trip. We caught them on a bit of an off night, but we also worked our tails off. Optimism: 1. Like others have said the defense was good. Not just okay, but actually good. Guys were rotating to the right person, had hands in their faces, and when the ball went up, they crashed the glass as a team. It was actually pretty awesome. Drummond may have had 17 rebounds, but we evened out the battle with really effective team rebounding. Our starters each had at least 5 boards. 2. The flow offensively was there. There were still some mistakes as guys tend to wander around when they're not directly involved in the action. There was a horns set run by Clarkson where Lou almost screwed it up by wandering towards the "horns". He finally backpedaled out to the corner where he was supposed to be, but overall the offense is still improving as guys get more confident. It also helps that Kobe was passing the ball so much more and so effectively. Crazy how we've been saying for weeks that Kobe needs to go to the post to create and lo and behold it works. 3. Chemistry is improving. Playing guys like Metta and Nance and Roy and Jordan make this team so much smoother. Just so freaking much smoother. They look out for their guys, make good plays, and work hard to fit in while still having an impact. It's a great example and it lets guys who need to stand out (Kobe, Lou, and Russell namely) do their thing so that they can feel right too. 4. Nick Young. Dude worked his tail off last night. He's been good all year for us actually and is really doing everything he can to fit into the team concepts while still playing his role. He deserves more love for what he's done for us.
I'm getting a real kick out of watching Nance play.I see his potential as not just a bench guy but as a starter. He plays a "complete" game, both sides of the court, he knows what he's doing at all times, and just flat out hustles. He really does remind me of Griffin in looks and style of play, without out the whining and crying.
I was very happy with the effort showed last game, and I also like Kobe being in facilitator mode. We're so much better when he plays like that.
Honestly, I see more of a Draymond type player..Lowe referenced that when he spoke to executives who said the same months ago; I remember that, and I'm starting to see it. He's playing like a guy who's been in the league for 3-4 years. Steal of the draft potentially...
I think potentially he can be a 3 in certain situations. However, I wouldn't slot him there. I think he's best used at the 4 and playing small-ball 5 eventually. As I said in another thread, with his emergence, you can now move Bass in any potential trade for additional salary. Backup rim protecting 5 or another wing off the bench.
Roy led our team in assists with 3, AAANNNNNNDDD in rebounds with 7. Phenomenal performance Roy 12/4 from Metta too on 4/6 shooting. Hard to complain there.
I think Nance can play anywhere from 3-5 for us honestly. He's got that kind of future if he keeps working hard. He can be a more athletic Draymond Green for us. The first 3 quarters: alright cool. The 4th quarter: burn it with fire to the ground. My only optimism really is... I don't think we can get any worse. I mean like others have said this is us fully healthy playing to the LEAST of our abilities. I'm in shock at this season and I honestly don't even know what to do. It's affecting my mood and job performance because it's just so perplexing. There's so much more talent on this roster than what we're seeing... Why are they performing this badly? Leadership is the only answer I have. Still. I've seen enough to know that in 2-3 years we won't look like this.
No I'm okay leaving it open. There's a lot of justifiable negativity around. I need this thread to keep me sane.
