HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I think we’ll bounce back but not exactly delighted that we’ve had 3 games where we really needed something from our max contract point guard and he’s played bloody terribly in 2 of those games.
The NBA Thread
- Thread starter Newcastle Forever
- Start date
The lack of range shooting and size (heft) for Spurs make the matchup against Wolves (and previously Blazers to an extent) difficult indeed. But the young players need to go through it. And it's the thing they need to experience.
What was more surprising imo were a few Fox turnovers trying to get places against Wolves pressure. Especially in 3rd. iirc McDaniels picked him up, and Fox just decided it was a regular season game. Not valuing possessions essentially.
Wembanyama trying things dribbling is known already. imo risk reward is good enough. Even if concussion.
His thought process and logic, while doing post game media, made me interested to see his next game. Wondering if he is referring to the blocks.
What was more surprising imo were a few Fox turnovers trying to get places against Wolves pressure. Especially in 3rd. iirc McDaniels picked him up, and Fox just decided it was a regular season game. Not valuing possessions essentially.
Wembanyama trying things dribbling is known already. imo risk reward is good enough. Even if concussion.
His thought process and logic, while doing post game media, made me interested to see his next game. Wondering if he is referring to the blocks.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Sincerely think it's plausible that Harper is already the 2nd best player on the team but the Spurs are always so circumspect with these things. Kawhi got handed the keys probably two full seasons after he was already good enough for them.
It's good that he's coachable, low ego, plays to the system and doesn't force things. But when I see something like Harper matched up on Conley, but he gives the ball up because his vet asks him to even though he's matched on McDaniels, then said vet turns it over or dribbles into a bad contested shot, can't help but be frustrated. Harper is getting two feet deep in the paint in that situation every time and has been getting to the rim or creating wide open threes all season.
But yeah. Over the hump series for sure.
The advanced stats already point to Harper/Wemby as the best two man lineup in the league, and Harper/Wemby/Vassell as the best three man lineup, and Harper/Wemby/Champagnie as the third best three man lineup, and on and on it goes. They're going to have to find 30 minutes for him next season and hopefully he's okay with hunting the sixth man of the year award, because otherwise there could be some awkward conversations.
I think if they do win a title it all becomes a lot easier, Fox did what he came to the team to do, we shake hands and agree to work out a mutually beneficial destination. He's not helping his trade value atm though lol.
It's good that he's coachable, low ego, plays to the system and doesn't force things. But when I see something like Harper matched up on Conley, but he gives the ball up because his vet asks him to even though he's matched on McDaniels, then said vet turns it over or dribbles into a bad contested shot, can't help but be frustrated. Harper is getting two feet deep in the paint in that situation every time and has been getting to the rim or creating wide open threes all season.
But yeah. Over the hump series for sure.
The advanced stats already point to Harper/Wemby as the best two man lineup in the league, and Harper/Wemby/Vassell as the best three man lineup, and Harper/Wemby/Champagnie as the third best three man lineup, and on and on it goes. They're going to have to find 30 minutes for him next season and hopefully he's okay with hunting the sixth man of the year award, because otherwise there could be some awkward conversations.
I think if they do win a title it all becomes a lot easier, Fox did what he came to the team to do, we shake hands and agree to work out a mutually beneficial destination. He's not helping his trade value atm though lol.
I do agree it will be interesting.
They've finally let the 3 guards close games as the regular season finished. Again during the opening round against Portland. These playoffs will provide more information on how they'll proceed. But it'll likely be Year 3 before Harper gets equal share of the keys to the offense.
Until then, we all will watch Fox. And wonder
They've finally let the 3 guards close games as the regular season finished. Again during the opening round against Portland. These playoffs will provide more information on how they'll proceed. But it'll likely be Year 3 before Harper gets equal share of the keys to the offense.
Until then, we all will watch Fox. And wonder
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Meanwhile OKC fans freaking out about Shai "how can he be a foul baiter if he doesn't always get rewarded for it" Gilgeous not getting his usual 15 trips to the line.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
JJ Reddick's plan to neutralize Shai and make the other guys beat them is definitely working.
Unfortunately, other guys are very good.
The reffing is so annoying though, god this OKC team is a brutal watch.
Unfortunately, other guys are very good.
The reffing is so annoying though, god this OKC team is a brutal watch.
Forget about the weird times for the draft Lottery. Washington get a top pick to add to their veterans as well as Sarr, though I think most of their team bar him is tradeable.
Bulls get a bit of draft fortune but likewise also think pretty much everyone’s on the block and no one’s untouchable. See what you have in last years rookies.
Clippers getting the Pacers fifth pick from the Zubac trade LOL.
Memphis also can justify their trades getting a top pick, will likely find something for Ja in the offseason.
Bulls get a bit of draft fortune but likewise also think pretty much everyone’s on the block and no one’s untouchable. See what you have in last years rookies.
Clippers getting the Pacers fifth pick from the Zubac trade LOL.
Memphis also can justify their trades getting a top pick, will likely find something for Ja in the offseason.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
He knew lol. Putting on an act. Brain explosion. Instead of *****ing about missed calls he's been storing up the frustration.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Why did they do a big MVP presentation with Wemby sitting there watching? How did they think that was going to go?
And they had the nerve to ask him about it lol.
This series is so interesting, as to who can withstand corner 3's missing and making.
It did not take long for Coach D to blink – IHart spamming hand offs at the top of the key makes Wemby’s life all the easier at he gets to sit back home. Chet at the 5 and a lot of Jaylin W will be needed to drag him out the paint. Had to go "small ball" with Holmgren and Caruso. And still did not have Wembanyama on Holmgren. Very interesting. Maybe their aim will get him to play high minutes high intensity each night 35+ heh.
Feels like Harper still getting anywhere he wants. But now has to deal with crowds in the lanes. Passing or scoring. Learning now what to do next. Impressive still. Defence is just solid. Cog in the machine.
Anyway feel like this is the real championship series. Cavs and Knicks are just playing for a chance to be runner up.
This series is so interesting, as to who can withstand corner 3's missing and making.
It did not take long for Coach D to blink – IHart spamming hand offs at the top of the key makes Wemby’s life all the easier at he gets to sit back home. Chet at the 5 and a lot of Jaylin W will be needed to drag him out the paint. Had to go "small ball" with Holmgren and Caruso. And still did not have Wembanyama on Holmgren. Very interesting. Maybe their aim will get him to play high minutes high intensity each night 35+ heh.
Feels like Harper still getting anywhere he wants. But now has to deal with crowds in the lanes. Passing or scoring. Learning now what to do next. Impressive still. Defence is just solid. Cog in the machine.
Anyway feel like this is the real championship series. Cavs and Knicks are just playing for a chance to be runner up.
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I do rate the Knicks very highly though and they shoot better than OKC. I'm not expecting a gimme.
It's been an impressive playoffs from them, just out enthused them. Being able to make in game adjustments, using a five-shooter lineup, Cavs not really responding to it, Brunson allowing Cavaliers to switch defensively, allowing him to attack weaker defenders, Cavs letting them beat them on the boards. If Bridges an OG can keep it up for another series it can be interesting.
I think if the Thunder get them they're probably better equipped to guard Brunson, rotating defensive stoppers like Dort, Wallace, and Caruso. Knicks did struggle to shoot against them when they played especially in the paint, few advantages the Knicks can exploit, gotta create those lanes and spacing for Brunson.
Knicks best chance will be to throw their wings at Shai, create mismatches against the smaller Thunder frontcourt guys...pick and rolls against Hart through Towns. If they shoot poorly from 3 it's probably gonna get ugly. We've seen Thunder do it to other teams, we'll see.
I think if the Thunder get them they're probably better equipped to guard Brunson, rotating defensive stoppers like Dort, Wallace, and Caruso. Knicks did struggle to shoot against them when they played especially in the paint, few advantages the Knicks can exploit, gotta create those lanes and spacing for Brunson.
Knicks best chance will be to throw their wings at Shai, create mismatches against the smaller Thunder frontcourt guys...pick and rolls against Hart through Towns. If they shoot poorly from 3 it's probably gonna get ugly. We've seen Thunder do it to other teams, we'll see.
As for today...Fox played as well considering game 3 just as a precautionary. Loss of Ajay Mitchell on top of Jalen Williams put too much pressure for 'next man up' to initiate the offense. Then again the other side of it, feels like there was a more disciplined defense on Gilgeous Alexander into the 3 point close outs.
It was pleasing to see the Spurs focusing on getting Wemby the ball in the paint this game. Looked painful watching the previous game...everyone missing open midrange shots (bad shooting nights happen), then forcing up contested 3s, with a couple of alley oops to Wemby or Vassell layup, then going back to contested 3 balls again. Figured they could have just kept feeding Wemby in the paint down the stretch because that was pretty much the only thing that was working, but instead they kept shooting contested 3s.
Good signs from Harper as well...navigated that pick and re-set on pick for that Gilgeous Alexander jumper really like his groin is feeling better. Youth
Hope we get 7 games
It was pleasing to see the Spurs focusing on getting Wemby the ball in the paint this game. Looked painful watching the previous game...everyone missing open midrange shots (bad shooting nights happen), then forcing up contested 3s, with a couple of alley oops to Wemby or Vassell layup, then going back to contested 3 balls again. Figured they could have just kept feeding Wemby in the paint down the stretch because that was pretty much the only thing that was working, but instead they kept shooting contested 3s.
Good signs from Harper as well...navigated that pick and re-set on pick for that Gilgeous Alexander jumper really like his groin is feeling better. Youth
Hope we get 7 games
HarVeeGee13
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
I hope we get six but yeah these are the best two teams to meet in a playoff series since 2018 I think.
It's a sign of how big the gap between these two and the rest (except maybe NYC who I think are for real playoff risers) is. OKC straight up look like as long as they have Shai, Lurch and the army of different role guys they can throw at you, they don't really need the extra All Star/good starter level ball handlers against 28 teams. But against the Spurs you really legit did feel the absence of JDub and Ajay today. Just saying they missed a bunch of 3's don't tell the whole story and a lot of those misses were because they never got in a rhythm and there were a lot of good contests. I don't want to pre-empt anything because this will be close, but early on with JDub & Ajay fit + Shai, vs Wemby with Castle/Harper in support, felt like there was way more pressure on the Spurs stars. Now even with Fox & Harper clearly playing encumbered, there's at least a real release valve for Castle & Wemby there. Shai doesn't have that now we've stopped doubling and opening up the obvious pass.
Continue to be so impressed with Harper, it is rare that you see a +25 next to the name of a guy who had 4 shots for 7 points in 20 minutes and think "yep, fair reflection", but it really was. He just played so smart and the ball moves better when he's out there. The likelihood of good process > good shot goes up massively. So good defensively too.
Vassell's also been extremely consistent all playoffs.
It's a sign of how big the gap between these two and the rest (except maybe NYC who I think are for real playoff risers) is. OKC straight up look like as long as they have Shai, Lurch and the army of different role guys they can throw at you, they don't really need the extra All Star/good starter level ball handlers against 28 teams. But against the Spurs you really legit did feel the absence of JDub and Ajay today. Just saying they missed a bunch of 3's don't tell the whole story and a lot of those misses were because they never got in a rhythm and there were a lot of good contests. I don't want to pre-empt anything because this will be close, but early on with JDub & Ajay fit + Shai, vs Wemby with Castle/Harper in support, felt like there was way more pressure on the Spurs stars. Now even with Fox & Harper clearly playing encumbered, there's at least a real release valve for Castle & Wemby there. Shai doesn't have that now we've stopped doubling and opening up the obvious pass.
Continue to be so impressed with Harper, it is rare that you see a +25 next to the name of a guy who had 4 shots for 7 points in 20 minutes and think "yep, fair reflection", but it really was. He just played so smart and the ball moves better when he's out there. The likelihood of good process > good shot goes up massively. So good defensively too.
Vassell's also been extremely consistent all playoffs.