Just wanted to see what everybody's opinion is on our team's toughness. For me, game 2 we showed a glimpse of toughness on defense as a team but for me it is only Beverley who seems ready to take a blow and deal a blow. He's constantly bodying up, not taking crap from WB and even getting in the paint to get offensive rebounds with all those bigs in there. Asik did show some toughness by finally really battling guys for rebounds and taking it up strong, but way too soft in game 1 and the 1st half. Smith, Delfino, Parsons & Lin have been lacking in this department. Harden as well but James takes a lot of beating on offense and still getting it done. Again, as a team I am positive but I just see a lot of individuals that need to improve since it could be key to win a game. We need to body up even more, hustle a bit more, ready to take more charges and just follow Beverley's example. The series has not been physical but at times we've taken a hit and not dole out some hits / bumps ourselves. I want that spirit that Maxwell, Cassell, Elie & Thorpe had Thoughts?
Delfino shows plenty of toughness, he takes charges and goes balls to the wall in terms of not backing down from anyone. He'll shoot it in your face for lols and happily guard the best player on the opposing team no matter what position. Parsons I dunno, admittedly I don't really notice that much in this area. He aight though. If Harden wasn't tough we wouldn't be in the playoffs. Can't believe you would say Lin is lacking in this department. Bev is obviously extremely tough you don't have to **** on other players to prove it. Lin took 1 charge and probably should've had another one and has consistently put his body on the line this season driving the paint, taking charges and playing through some admittedly negligible injuries. I'd be surprised if the injury that took him out today had nothing to do with the beating his body has been taking game in game out.
toughness is not enough... you need at two more allstars to compete at their talent level Talent is as important
I'm particularly disappointed in Smith's toughness. He only seems to grow a pair when there's a clear path for a dunk. If you're going to foul someone, foul them hard. If you're going for rebounds, use your body to block people out. If someone posts you up, stand your ground. If you take away his clear path dunks, he's a real softie.
OTMax, you know when Kirk told the Vulcan chancellor that she restored his son's faith in the universe. It's like you restored faith for the 2013ers! Keep up the good work.
